PocketJ connects Homeland air defense regional AOC to TADIL J Networks

Hanscom 'pockets' the U.S. to improve homeland defense
Pocket J nodes were fielded across the continental United States, establishing direct communication paths for tactical data link messages between airborne tactical aircraft, such as fighters and command and control platforms, and the regional Air Operations Centers.



"The reason it is called 'Pocket J' is because the system establishes 'pockets' of data link messages within the United States to allow for that tactical messaging capability," said David Minior, a Pocket J program manager.The data link technology allows pilots to see, via visual representation, tracks of interest. In addition to providing this near-real time picture, pilots can use it to track and pursue potential threats. Having the digital data link decreases time and the potential for human error.

"Previously, pilots would have to rely on voice information and direction," Minior said. "Pocket J ensures all operators now see the same air picture - at the same time."

Pocket J was fielded in two separate production runs, so some nodes have been operational for years while others were just recently completed in December 2014. The first production Pocket J increment was produced and fielded by Ultra Electronics ProLogic, while later production and fielding of an updated Pocket J was accomplished by Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering Services.

PocketJ - Ultra Electronics, ProLogic
The Pocket J application integrates off-the-shelf Link 16 equipment

• MIDS Multifunctional Information Distribution System Teminals,
• JRE, Joint Range Extension TMPG, Transparent Multi-Platform Gateway (TMPG)
• and SADL, Situational Awareness Data Link

with developed technology to produce Deployable Elements (DEs) which can then be remotely operated to exchange data with Fixed Elements (FE) via SATCOM, secure land line, or SIPRNET.

The technology, interoperable with emerging Battle Command System (BCS) technology and the Missile Defense Agency’s JADE visualization tool, expands the communicative capacity for NORAD air defense sectors, by providing them with deployable capability to establish tactical data links between the NORAD radar and control centers and the Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. By creating these data links, the Pocket J application allows NORAD to utilize Link 16 technology to facilitate time-critical Command and Control of CAP aircraft through remotely controlled deployed Link 16 elements. The Pocket J application, fully web-enabled and IPV6 capable, is currently in use in over 30 cities nationwide and has become a critical component of homeland defense objectives.

0207434F Link 16 Support and Sustainment 0207434F.pdf
Gateway systems enable combat forces to exchange information quickly and accurately by bridging discrete airborne, terrestrial, and/or space-based C4ISR networks to produce operational effects not possible within individual networks. The AF continues to enhance the interoperability and capabilities of fielded gateways such as the

• Joint Air Defense System Integrator (JADSI), 
• Joint Range Extension (JRE) functionality, 
• Pocket J, and 
• Roll-On Beyond-line-of-sight Enhancement (ROBE). 

The Objective Gateway (OG) program is developing a family of advanced gateway capabilities to enable a transition from legacy gateways with niche requirements and narrow user-sets. OG will be modular and scalable, with internet protocol (IP)-based networking capabilities that service theater-wide operational and tactical users. The OG program also includes an Interim OG, which is an initial, incremental deployment of gateway capability through rapid transition of Air Force and joint technology demonstrations/prototypes and off the shelf hardware and software applications. Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) is an Air Force/Navy program to develop a common, reusable, configurable, and extensible tactical data link message processing solution for airborne maritime, and fixed-site systems.