AWACS guided integrated aircraft control radio network based on decentralized routing

Russian Aerospace Forces are used in remote theatres of combat operations which are not equipped with stationary control and communication systems. During these operations an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is used as an air based command post to control the aircrafts. However, factors such as high intensity of flights and a large number of aircraft controlled simultaneously by AWACS demand a more rational use of AWACS’ integrated radio network resources. Thus, the routing of command and information messages in the network becomes one of the most important tasks. The model of the aircraft controls integrated radio network using AWACS and based on decentralized routing principle is considered in the paper. The decentralization principle is based on Mesh technology. Mesh technology allows to join several separate networks into one integrated radio network. The model allows to evaluate the effectiveness of different ways of organizing communications in the integrated radio network and make the informed choice in the most rational way. Recommendations are made on using the proposed routing method in AWACS communications system software.