A network developed by Collins Aerospace will help the U.S. Air Force share tactical data, empowering quicker decisions for military leaders.
Raytheon Technologies, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, “successfully demonstrated” the Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN) and will now develop an operational architecture, according to a release.
“The CTEN will enable tactical data to be shared across disparate networks to enable faster decision-making on the battlefield,” according to the release. “The CTEN solution supports building the convergence layer to connect sensors and shooters on both existing and emerging platforms across land, air, sea and space.”
Raytheon can integrate organic and third-party capability into the developing CTEN architecture and has more than 30 National Security Agency-certified multi-level security and end cryptographic unit solutions fielded today, as well as multiple interoperable aerial network waveforms in use.
“CTEN is a JADC2 enabler, operating on a totally open architecture to connect across domains,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager for Resilient Networking and Autonomy Solutions for Collins Aerospace, in a press release. “By integrating disparate networks to create an overlay network, the U.S. Joint commands are enabled to share critical, time-sensitive data in real-time.”
Raythenon also announced this month that Collins Aerospace’s InteliSight Aircraft Interface Device will be installed on more than 200 JetBlue Airbus A320s, a device that captures and transmits aircraft data to Collins’ cloud platform, GlobalConnect.
“After an extensive review process, we chose the Collins Aerospace solution,” said JetBlue’s captain Chuck Cook, director communications, navigation, surveillance, and technical programs, in a statement. “Real-time access to data will allow JetBlue to adjust service schedules and increase the sustainability of these select aircraft.”
InteliSight helps flight crews, ground crews and airline operations teams optimize costs and improve customer service. According to the release, one carrier has reported increase in data capture rates by more than 99% after utilizing InteliSight.
In November, the U.S. Air Force selected Collins Aerospace to receive a 30-month, $42 million contract to develop a Very Low Frequency receiver product line
