USAF has 'urgent' need to increase size of BACN fleet | IHS Jane's 360

The BACN system is designed to increase the range of voice communications in mountainous terrain by relaying the signal over an extended distance. It can also act as a bridge between frequencies, allowing a convoy commander on a frequency-limited radio to talk with a supporting close-air-support asset on a different frequency.

According to the USAF, the BACN payload contains a number of different radios and waveforms, including VHF-FM, VHF-AM, UHF-AM, UHF SATCOM, SINCGARS, HAVEQUICK I/II, SADL, EPLRS, Link 16 and Common Data Link terminals. All the radios are linked together through a central computer called the Gateway Manager, which allows the BACN operator (on board the E-11A or via a ground control station with the RQ-4) to select, tune and tie radios together.