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Multifunction Advanced Data Link
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<p>Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a fast switching narrow directional communications <a href="/facts/Data_link/fSNk5Nus">data link</a> between <a href="/facts/Stealth_aircraft/yzFCw70N">stealth aircraft</a>. It began as a method to coordinate between <a href="/facts/F-35/x0NWsvfC">F-35</a> (the Joint Strike Fighter), but HQ Air Combat Command wants to expand the capability to coordinate future USAF strike forces of all AF stealth aircraft, including the <a href="/facts/B-2/5xx6l0AN">B-2</a>, <a href="/facts/F-22/uGSDLBu9">F-22</a>, and unmanned systems. MADL is expected to provide needed throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability with <a href="/facts/Phased_Array/5wvA9WLV">phased Array</a> Antenna Assemblies (AAAs) that send and receive tightly directed radio signals. MADL uses the <a href="/facts/Ku_band/czTuuqpT">Ku band</a>. </p><p>The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics directed the Air Force and Navy to integrate MADL among the F-22, F-35 and B-2, to one another and to the rest of network. </p><p>As of 2010, the Air Force has canceled upgrade plans for the F-22 to receive MADL citing technology maturity risks. </p><p>Critics contend that since <a href="/facts/Link_16/FFNNRHel">Link 16</a> is the standard by which U.S. and Allied aircraft communicate, upgrades to Link-16 radios should be supported that can provide the same capabilities as MADL while maintaining interoperability. </p><p>The MADL could be used beyond a four-ship flight. </p>