Link-16
- Thread starter Johare
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sierrahotel
New Member
In fact the L-16 bandwidth is barely over 50Kbps,but it is enough for the data transmission.On the other hand raw information (in digital form e.g. sensor plots) need less transmission speed depending on the protocol used.The Swedish AEW platform (Erieye) transmits raw sensors feeds to the ground stations using a simple medium speed protocol.
Ozzy Blizzard
New Member
Theres no need for raw data anyway in most cases, unless your looking at SAR or IR images. The on board avionics can handle that (the system would be pretty useless is it could not). Track data is all thats needed in most cases, and ~50Kbps is plenty for that.
Yes it's a tactical datalink !
As for direct feed of this data & its inter-operation with the FCS of the various weapons systems, think again.
Most modern warships (built in the last 5 -10 years) have an integrated command system, with Multi-function displays. The data from each of the sensors is fed, via an interface, into the command system. The datalink is no different.
The data is usually converted into an appropriate format, then overlayed on the radar / sensor display of the console. This provides the console operator the ability to view his processed data from the sensor he's using / in control of & see the corresponding information from the datalink.
The operator then usually has the facility to correlate "both tracks" (although sometimes this is a function of the software of the command system).
If the data is being used "to plot a solution", for a missile system, track data is passed back across the appropriate part of the interface to the Weapon System, & the console operator will be directed by the data on his screen, or by the Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) to engage the target.
I know that some systems are more likely classified as "stand alone", due to their ability to operate independently of the command system. However, they often still have a limited data link with the command system to relay bearing information, so that once the general direction of the target is provided, the "missile" can fire and then once in flight, the weapon can control how it attacks the target.
Systems Adict
I'll be honest & say I'm not 100% sure on this statement, but I'd say that it's not PURELY American.
After all, that's like saying that every PC based around the OS 2 system is made by IBM !
Link is a NATO thing (although not exclusively). It's been thru various models & variations on a theme (Link 11 / Link 14 / Link Y, etc), but they all readily do the same thing. Pass limited, specific quantities / types of tactical data, via radio waves from ONE unit to others that Transmit & Receive this information, so that they are then able to see a more complete picture of the battle space around them.
Link-16 is just the latest model.
(Anyone is welcome to jump in here & correct anything I may have mis-quoted !) :nutkick
Systems Adict
sierrahotel
New Member
Link-16 was at first a U.S project (TADIL J) which has been designed to optimise the use of the JTIDS architecture in the mid-70s.An interim protocol came first known as IJMS (Interim JTIDS Message Specification) to provide an initial JTIDS operating capability for the USAF.This protocol used TDMA architecture but based on Link 11 messages packaged to fit into the JTIDS architecture because U.S CRCs used Link-11B to communicate with each other.The IJMS implemented in the US E-3B,NATO E-3A and the US and NATO ground environment.When Tadil J came in use adopted by NATO with the name NATO Link-16 and put in use with AEW platforms,fighters (Tornados,F-16,Rafale e.t.c) ,Navy assets and CRCs-SAMs.UK is the leading country in the Link-16 use and imroved it to Satellite Tactical Data Link (Link-16 over a satellite bearer).
Link-22 is just an improved version of Link-11 using TDMA architecture.
Link-22 is just an improved version of Link-11 using TDMA architecture.
I took an Introduction to TADIL course a couple weeks before I left military service last month and they said that link 22 has been defunded.
Thanks for the explanation.
I always wondered if data from flying units (like J-Stars, UAVs, etc.) is directly fed into an IVIS network and is just reworked so that fits the picture on the displays on the ground vehicles or if some higher staff units get the data from flying assets and put it manually into the IVIS network.
sierrahotel
New Member
If the IVIS is Link-16 compatible,it will receive the appropriate information either directly from an airborne asset (J-Stars for e.g),or from a C&C station.If it is not,it will receive data from a C&C station via other link system.At this point it would be interesting to discuss about the use of Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) from MBTs and the employment of tactical internet in the battlefield.
Without going into too much detail, data can be passed from a Link 16 node to an non-link 16 node using a message protocol like VMF (TADIL J series message). This is being trialled in Aus but not yet implemented. The M1 MBTs we now have in Aus are not link 16 capable per se but it is planned (and may well be implemented) to have a VMF capability for these platforms.
BTW, are the Australian M1A1 AIMs v1 or v2?
IIRC the US is in the process of upgrading all their M1A1AIM v1 to v2 and all their M1A2 to M1A2SEP because otherwise they would have problems to speak in the same network.
Makes me wonder how easy it really is to feed Link-16 data into the system...
IIRC the US is in the process of upgrading all their M1A1AIM v1 to v2 and all their M1A2 to M1A2SEP because otherwise they would have problems to speak in the same network.
Makes me wonder how easy it really is to feed Link-16 data into the system...
What about the Satellite based Link 16? Has it been fielded or was it also defunded? Will it suffer performance cuts in terms of subscriber count the way Link 11 did when used via satellite?
sierrahotel
New Member
AFAIK,Satellite Link-16 or STDL is implemented on RN ships (Acft Carriers,Type 42 and the forthcoming Type 45 Destroyers).This is a UK National Link.I don't know the progress of U.S DoD in that matter.At the moment the capacity of the satellite channel is limited and of course there is a time delay in the communication,so the performance does not match the UHF based L-16.
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Whoops that's right. Tank Urban Survival Kit. What does the SEP upgrade entail? And is it compatible with TUSK? Sorry if I'm derailing this a little bit.
It still exists and it is used but not very often.
SEP includes the following:
Command and control processors intergraded into FCS program.
Better FCS that improves situation awareness and engagement sequence.
Improved tactical communications
Under armor APU unit
Tusk upgrade includes the following:
Urbanized add on armor, sides, rear and belly armor
Loader shield and thermal sight
TC remote 50 cal weapons station
Additional 50 cal for counter sniper duties
Drivers thermal viewer
Rear vehicle communications phone for dismounts
Still being decided for APS system but more than likely will go with Iron Fist