ROBE Sky Network

ROBE is an advanced electronic "gateway in the sky" developed for battlefield communications, providing over-the-horizon signaling, integrated communications, improved weapons targeting, and satellite tactical data link (TDL) for U.S. forces.

ROBE—for roll-on, beyond-line-of-sight enhancement—enhances the military's overall battlefield command and control (C2), from the front lines to remote command centers. Using ROBE, the Air Force will for the first time be able to connect its beyond-line-of-sight units with line-of-sight forces, so that all war fighters will have the same situational awareness.

The heart of the ROBE system is a pallet-mounted suite of electronics carried above the battlefield on tanker or cargo aircraft. The system automatically establishes a broad, secure communications network for the U.S. forces and weapons systems below. The planes equipped with ROBE technology become, in effect, flying network "gateways" that can translate and forward vital data link and signals intelligence information from disparate communications networks. The ROBE system receives data in flight from E-3 AWACS, E-8C Joint STARS, fighter, and ground-attack aircraft using standard Link-16 technology and forwards that data using its satellite data link to C2 nodes worldwide (reachback). Conversely, C2 nodes can transmit data to the forward forces instantly (reachforward). ROBE's modular design allows for easy expansion into other TDLs as the need arises and provides the host platform with interactive situational awareness.

The system also receives specific broadcast intelligence and disseminates surveillance and warning data through the satellite link.

ROBE was developed by ARINC Engineering Services, LLC, and Northrop Grumman Information Technology under subcontract to Modern Technologies Corporation. ARINC was the aircraft integrator and technical lead. Northrop Grumman was the Group B integrator and software developer. The three companies were cited for exceeding requirements during the airborne demonstration.