As I’ve said before, the F-22 is a sort of roach motel for data. It collects data from its own sensors and other platforms, but nothing ever leaves, at least not in the current software drop.

It’s a legacy of its Cold War origins, where it was expected to operate in a post apocalyptic sky above a Europe in flames.

Well, it looks like the USAF is finalizing plans on how to rectify this problem (Paid Subscription Required).

They are looking at a number of different technologies to implement their, “IP-based advanced tactical data link (ATDL)”, “Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) wideband data link”, which transmits to ground stations for relay, the “Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)”, which is more distributed and is slated for use in the F-35.

ATDL looks to be fielded somewhere in the 2014 time frame in any case.