Page 74 - Renorming of Airpower: The F-35 Enters the Combat Fleet

The Renorming of Airpower: The F-35 Arrives into the Combat Force

CNI (Communications, Navigation and Identification System) — connected to the other combat systems via the
high-speed data bus is the CNI which is a core and very flexible RF system that enables the aircraft to
operate against a variety of threats.

The systems are built upon a physical link, namely a high-speed data bus built upon high-speed fiber optical
systems.

The “Z-Axis” is the research vector for robust US and allied IR&D and R&D system upgrades. Each individual
sensor is focused on servicing the cockpit “fusion engine.”

This is where the fleet concept of “separate” airframes – As, Bs, and Cs – and across both US and Allied
forces yields major breakthroughs and savings. By forging diverse research streams into a common fusion
engine, the inherent waste in doing research which then needs later to generate its own platform or is
inherently designed for a specific platform with little global reach is obviated.

However, R&D research can go forward also independently on all systems feeding into this trusted fusion
engine. This IR&D process can bring value based analysis and engineering on where to put specific emphasis
and budget dollars on improving each system for best tactical pay-off.

This dynamic is moving combat system R&D research up the “Z-axis.”

It is an approach to ending stove piping while not closing off the dynamics of change which different systems
can provide for future capabilities for the aircraft, the fleet and flying combat systems.

Re-Looking at The Evolution of Capabilities from a Z Axis Perspective

All sensor elements of F-35 T/M/S C5ISR-D cockpit are structured to build three Dimensional War fighting
with the concept that “no platform fights alone.”

Ultimately, information will go up and out. This is a fundamental rule for the Intelligence Community and will
be a fundamental practice of the F-35 fleet.

This research path can drive 4th to 5th to 6th gen AA &AG weapon research. Currently 5th gen airframes are
firing 4th Gen weapons at best.

Fusion engine sensors can drive unity of purpose “aim point” for world wide Defense firms/consortiums.

There is a huge R&D con-ops and training and tactic adjustment required to tie in with legacy systems.
Perhaps vectoring the helmet might be cheapest way to promote this type of integration.

The F-35 “Z-Axis” is Symbol driven war fighting and thus language agnostic.

F-35 can network battle management with emerging UCAS systems and robots. UAVs are part of future of
aviation NOT the future of aviation. This must be tested at Northern Edge EW exercise.

C5ISR-D Fusion engine is an inherent redundant aircraft and fleet “survivability” factor, as much as war
fighting factor. It and can operate internally in the aircraft and off load an attack on one sensor to use the
other sensor systems to keep the mission alive. This is cyber war inoculation and can be tested at Northern
Edge

“UCAS V Tron warriors” This entire issue MUST be tested and understood. “Cyber” is now being used as a
word weapon both pro and con to kill or justify systems and as an organization budget driver as much as a
realistic threat. Positing the challenge of protecting everything protects nothing.
Second Line of Defense

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