Link 16 - Link 22

Link 16 is a military tactical data exchange network used by NATO. Its specification is part of the family of Tactical Data Links. With Link 16, military aircraft as well as ships and ground forces may exchange their tactical picture in nearreal time. Link 16 also supports the exchange of text messages, imagery data and provides two channels of digital voice (2.4 kbit/s and/or 16 kbit/s in any combination). Link 16 is defined as one of the digital services of the JTIDS / MIDS in NATO's Standardization Agreement STANAG 5516. MIL-STD-6016 is the related United States Department of Defense Link 16 MIL-STD. Link 16 is a TDMA-based secure, jam-resistant high-speed digital data link which operates in the radio frequency band 9601,215 MHz, allocated in line with the ITU Radio Regulations to the aeronautical radionavigation service and to the radionavigation satellite service. This frequency range limits the exchange of information to users within line-of-sight of one another, although emerging technologies provide the means to pass Link 16 data over long-haul protocols such as TCP/IP and UHF SATCOM. It uses the transmission characteristics and protocols, conventions, and fixed-length or variable length message formats defined by MIL-STD 6016, STANAG 5516 (formerly the JTIDS technical interface design plan). Information is typically passed at one of three data rates: 31.6, 57.6 or 115.2 kilobits per second, although the radios and waveform itself can support throughputs upwards of 238 kbit/s (29.75 kilobyte/s). Link 16 information is primarily coded in so called J.-series messages; i.e., binary data words with welldefined meanings. These data words are grouped in functional areas, and allocated to network participation groups (virtual networks), most importantly: PPLI, or Precise Participant Location and Identification (network participation groups 5 and 6), Surveillance (network participation group 7), Command (Mission Management/Weapons Coordination) (network participation group 8), (Aircraft) Control (network participation group 9), Electronic Warfare & Coordination (network participation group 10).

Link 16 is a robust and secure TDMA UHF waveform that is used for data comm and navigation air to air and air to ground. Link 16 is known as MIDS JTRS and it is a stand alone radio that has TACAN and voice capability. MIDS JTRS is also interoperable with JAN-TE (Joint Airborne Network-Tactical Edge, uses the IP
based Targeting Tactical Network Technology (TTNT) waveform used in the Navy F/A 18 Hornet and Air Force F16 Falcon and F22 Raptor. It operates at data rates of 250/500 kbps and 1 to 2 mbps at velocities up to Mach 8 ). MIDS

JTRS will be able to communicate with Airborne Networking Waveforms (ANW) in the future. Link No STAN AG Communi Generation cation
Point to Point

Working Title NATO data link between Air Defence Main Control Centres Radar to Control Centre Data Link Control Centre to higher HQ Data Links

Final title / description Link 1 Tactical Data Exchange for Air Defence

Comments

5501

Ground Link 1st between NADGE entiti SSeries es limited and not secure 1st Cancelled (includes in Link 1) Slow Speed Warning Link from evaluation centres to SHAPE Compatible to US TADILC to be

2 3 4

SHOC Early Warning System Link 4 TDL for the Control

Point to Point Point to Point

1st 1st C/R

5504 Ground to Air Data Link

of Military aircraft 5 6 7 8 9 10 5510 Fast HF Automatic Link 5506 Missile Base to Control (Draft) Centre Link
(Draft) needed] / Defence Link Broadcast

operated in Series NATO UHF (225400 MHz)RF band 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st Cancelled (see Link 1) STANAG cancelled (was used by BE, NL and UK) Compatible to US TADILA to be operated in the HF & NATO UHF RF bands Compatible to the US TADILB Ground to Ground TDL Cancelled (see Link 11)
Broadcast

Cancelled (see Link 11) Draft STANAG (US MBDL, ATDL1, PADIL)

Link 6 (NADGE Link) SAM Automatic Data Link Link 7 TDL for ATC

Point to Point Point to Point Broadcast

5507

ATC[disambiguation HF Automatic Link SOC / Airbase Link Ship Ship Link

Link 10 Maritime Tactical Data Exchange Link 11 Maritime Tactical Data Exchange Link 11B Tactical Data Exchange

Broadcast

2nd M Series 2nd M Series 2nd M Series

11

5511 Fast HF Automatic Link

Broadcast

11B 12 13 14 15

5511
(Vol. II)

Point to Point

Fast HF Automatic Link HF Automatic Link 5514 Slow SemiAutomatic Link Slow SemiAutomatic Link High Capacity, ECM Resista Link 16 5516 nt, ECM Resistant Tactical Multifunctional, TDMA L Data Exchange ink 5521
(Draft)

Cancelled (see Link 11) 1st ShipShip & Ship Shore (only few applications) ShipShip, Cancelled Compatible to US TADILJ (STANAG 4175 Technical Characteristics of MIDS)

Link 14 Maritime TDL

Broadcast D/M/S/E

Series

16

Broadcast

3rd JSeries

21

Link in support of ACCS (LISA) NATO Improved Link 11 (NILE) Link 22

Point to Point

Under development 3rd (planned to replace JSeries Link 1 and Link 11B) Under development 3rd (planned to replace JSeries Link 11)

22

5522
(Draft)

MILSTD6020

Standard for data forwarding between MIL-STD-6020, DoD tactical data systems Interoperability Standard: 5616 employing Links 11/11B Data Forwarding between and tactical data TDLs systems employing Link 16 ECM Resistant Communication System IJMS Interim JTIDS/MIDS
Broadcast 2nd, M

IJMS

Series

Interim Data Link Standard to be

(ERCS)

Message Specification 1st, KSeries 2nd, K/J Series

replaced by Link 16 Data link adopted from EPLRS to provide A-10s and F16s data link capability air-toground and air-to-air

SADL

Situational Awareness Data Link

Broadcast

Link 22 - Comparison with Link 16

Although it supports all Environment types, Link 16 is primarily an anti-air warfare (AAW) tactical data link. Link 22 is primarily a maritime tactical data link designed to complement Link 16 operations. Link 16 supports a single UHF network. Since UHF is a line-of-sight- (LOS-) only band, Link 16 units may require airborne relay support. Link 22 operates on both HF and HF/UHF with automatic relay features to reduce the need for airborne relay units. The fast frequency hopping characteristic of Link 16 counters the effects of jamming, making it extremely difficult to jam. The Link 22 HF/UHF fixed frequency network can be jammed. However, its multiple networks may be more difficult to jam simultaneously. In Link 16, Network Management may be complex and difficult to plan and operate. In Link 22, Network Management is more automated and includes features such as dynamic bandwidth allocation. Both Link 16 and Link 22 use the J-Series family message standard Both Link 16 and Link 22 use 15-bit Participant address numbering Both Link 16 and Link 22 use 19-bit track numbering Both Link 16 and Link 22 use the Worldwide Geodetic System (WGS-84) For Link 16, data transfer rate is between 26.8 kbit/s (26,880 bit/s) and 107.5 kbit/s (107,520 bit/s), depending on the data packing structure. For Link 22, the UHF fixed frequency data transfer rate is 12.7 kbit/s (12,666 bit/s). Link 22 can use multiple networks for one data stream to increase the data transfer rate.

Data transfer rate comparison

The raw (maximum) data rates shown in the figures are what is available for Tactical Data transmission, after the low level overheads (Error Detection And Correction (EDAC) bits, synchronization bits, etc.) have been taken into consideration. Link 11 HF/UHF Link 22 HF Link 22 UHF Link 16 (fixed frequency) (fixed frequency) JTIDS 12.666 26.880 107.520

1090 or 1800 1493 4053

Link 22, unlike Link 11, can perform simultaneous different transmission on up to 4 networks, which increases bandwidth. Two typical configurations are shown below. 3 HF AND 1 UHF 2 HF AND 2 UHF (fixed frequency) (fixed frequency) 24.825 33.438

Link 22 complements Link 16 by providing additional bandwidth in other frequency ranges and in particular by providing the BLOS and automatic relay capabilities.

Improved Data Modem (IDM)

The IDM is an interface between the on-aircraft MIL-STD-1553 A or B data bus and tactical radios (via a cryptographic device). Radios that the IDM can be interfaced with include ARC-164, ARC-182, ARC-186, ARC-201, ARC-210, ARC-222, ARC-225 and PSC-5. There are four half duplex radio channels that can transmit at data rates of 75 to 16,000 bps. Reception or transmission is possible on any of the four channels simultaneously. Each channel can be configured as non-secure analogue, non-secure digital or secure digital (via a KY-58 communications security (COMSEC) device, which is integrated with the IDM family). A typical unit has a service life of 20 years, weighs 6.3 kg and has dimensions 229 x 188 x 136 mm. Recent IDM developments include the second generation (2G) IDM, the Personal Computer IDM (PCIDM) and the Video Imagery Module (VIM). The 2G IDM, launched in 1999, includes the addition of increased computing power and mass storage capability to the IDM. Software was changed to allow full compatibility with the Army Tactical Internet. Unlike the first generation IDM that was only capable of point-to-point communications, the 2G IDM implements a fully networked data link system using a TCP/IP-based packet switched system. In this respect the 2G IDM can be characterized as a modem, a router, a gateway, or all three. Other additions include an Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) port, two SINCGARS SIP ports, an Ethernet port and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. The Ethernet port can be used as an alternative to the 1553 bus. The 2G IDM also provides six channels, rather than just four, which can each be configured to support different protocols. The PCIDM is an IDM compatible unit that allows end users to incorporate IDM communications functions into their personal computers via installation of a standard Type II Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card. The unit has only two channels, rather than four, and runs under Windows. It incorporates IDM communications functions but has no MIL-STD-1553 bus interface. It has an asynchronous channel and a synchronous channel. The asynchronous cannel can either be operated in a 16kb/s digital mode or a 1.2kb/s analogue mode. The synchronous channel supports MIL-STD-188-144 operation that is typically used in conjunction with cryptographic equipment. Version 2 of this card began shipment in September 2000. The VIM is a module integrated into the IDM that began development under a USAF project in mid-1997. The primary goal of the project was to equip the Air Force with an imagery system for the F-16C Block 40 that would improve pilot situational awareness when attacking ground targets. To the IDM it adds the ability to capture, compress/decompress and receive/transmit (using the 16 kbps rate) imagery data. It allows imagery capture rates of four images per second and image transmission times of less than 15 seconds. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA, now Qinetic) in the UK and the USAF have completed successful demonstrations of IDM terminals with the VIM.

Common Data Link (CDL)

The term Common Data Link (CDL) describes a family of tactical data links. These links are designed for the purpose of supporting reconnaissance and/or surveillance operations. They provide full duplex, wide bandwidth (but asymmetric), point-to-point data communications links between aircraft and ships, or between aircraft and ground bases. This allows the transmission of radar, imagery, video and other sensor information from the aerial platform and the transmission of control data to the aerial platform. Users that require sensor data (on the surface platform) connect to the aircraft via 10 channels within the uplink and up to 25 channels within the downlink. The uplink or command link is the link to the aircraft, and the downlink or return link is the link from the aircraft to the surface platform. Within the uplink there are also channels for executive functions and voice communications. This secure and jam resistant link operates at a standard data rate of 200 kbps. Within the downlink there is also a voice channel. This link can operate at the standard data rates of 10.71 Mbps, 137 Mbps or 274 Mbps and is not secure/jam resistant. Security is provided by COMSEC encryption and variable depth data interleaving. The use of spread spectrum modulation on the link produces jam resistance. Forward error correction coding is also used. Three groups of common data links can be identified. - The first group consists of existing CDL systems. These are currently available, used by US and Allied services, and are produced by L-3 Communications. Note that in 1991 the US Department of Defence designated CDL as its standard for use in imagery and signals intelligence. - The second group is the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The TCDL is a CDL interoperable data link developed under a US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program that began in 1997. - The third group is the High Integrity Data Link (HIDL). HIDL is being investigated by the UK for UAVs under sponsorship from the NATO Naval Armaments Group.s Projects Group 35. This link is still in the design stage and an implementation date is not available (but is unlikely to be for several years). Although HIDL is also being designed to be CDL interoperable (like TCDL), it is also aimed to complement TCDL. Unlike TCDL, HIDL is designed to be a high integrity link rather than just a wide band link. Both the uplink and downlink are jam resistant (frequency hopping is used), a single control station is able to control multiple data collection platforms and lower frequencies (225 - 400 MHz) are used for greater range. Throughput of 100 kbps will be possible.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the NATO name for the communication component of Link-16. One commonly used instantiation of an MIDS is the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) which has been funded by the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain and developed by MIDSCO, a joint venture by Thomson CSF, GEC, Siemens, Italtel, and Enosa. Another such terminal is the MIDS-JTRS (MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System), which is currently under development by the US. An older MIDS is the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Currently, there are three production lines, which are competitors: ViaSat, Inc (USA), Data Link Solutions LLC (USA), and EuroMIDS (Europe). Specification Terminal Type LWH [cm] Weight [kg] Term: 16.8 RPS: 3.5 Max Power Output [Watt] 50 Function Interface

LinkPlatforms 16 Voice TACAN 1553 X.25 Ethernet IJMS F-15 UCAVs E-2D F/A-18 Typhoon Rafale JAS 39 Ground Platform D AC-130 F-16 Maritime AWACS

MIDS-LVT(3) USQ140(V)3(C) MIDS-LVT(1) USQ140(V)1(C) RT1840 MIDS-LVT(4) USQ140(V)1(C) RT-1841 MIDS-LVT(5) USQ140(V)5(C) RT-1841 MIDS-LVT(6) USQ140(V)1(C) RT1842 MIDS-LVT(7) USQ140(V)1(C) RT-1843

Term: 341919 RPS: 34619

200 (1000W with HPAG) Term: 22.2 RPS: 6.5

B-2

200 MIDS-LVT(2) USQTerm: 17.4 140(V)2(C) RTTerm: PSA: 11.6 1785 341919 Cooling Overall: Unit: 4.6 MIDS-LVT(11) 633321 Mounting USQBase: 3.1 140(V)11(C) RT-1868 Term: Terminal - RPS: Remote Power Supply

Ground forces PSA: Power Supply Assembly Platform J TACP

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). JTRS is used in conjunction with AWACS and Patriot Batteries. This radio has 200 w of RF output in the 1 GHz band and 300 km air to ground range. It uses 1536 time slots and 51 channels to provide superior communications under adverse conditions. Talk to any fighter pilot and they will tell you they will not fly without it. All MIDS and Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) radios are interoperable between land, air and sea platforms by US and allied forces.

VUIT Common Aviation kit

VUIT stands for Video from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Interoperability Teaming, a key component of which is a TCDL installation. Any TCDL product must be compatible with CDL and NATO STANAG 7085. Using the latest open architecture, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and industry-standard interfaces, it supports air-to-surface transmission of radar, imagery, video and other sensor information at data rates of up to 10.71 Mbps at ranges of up to 200 km (at 15000 ft AGL), although much longer ranges have recently been demonstrated. Approved TCDL suppliers include BAE Systems, Cubic, Harris and L-3 Communications. UAS INTERACTION Lockheed Martin picked L-3 Communication SystemsWest to provide the Mini TCDL system that Lockheed then packaged into VUIT-2 kits for Block I and II Apache Longbows. Those kits were elded on the attack helicopters of the 1-10 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB), a component of the 10th CAB, late last year. VUIT-2 allows Level 2 interaction with the UAS, meaning that the helicopter can receive imagery and metadata directly from the air vehicle those involved include Shadow, Raven, Hunter, Predator, Sky Warrior, Reaper and others and also from manned aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s and A-10s, if they are carrying data-link-equipped targeting pods. Lockheed Martin says that pilots can select the frequency of the particular UAS from which they want video. Besides receiving video, an Apaches VUIT-2 can also transmit imagery from the helicopter to customers on the ground if they have a piece of equipment known as the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT), manufactured by AAI Corporation, or another compatible terminal. The Mini TCDL installed in a bay in the lower rear of the helicopters fuselage provides the downlink capability, retransmitting the UAS video and metadata, along with Apache TADS/M-TADS (Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight) sensor imagery, to ground stations and remote video terminals. In a planned spiral development, the ability to share video between aircraft, and have two-way video communication with ground stations and terminals, will be added in the near future. This capability enables very close cooperation between the UAS and the Apaches in which the unmanned aircraft carry out the search phase, informing the helicopters when they have found targets of interest. This both minimises the risk to the helicopter crews and saves ight hours on hard-working airframes. Using the VUIT keypad in the cockpit, the Apaches co-pilot/gunner selects the UAS video feed, giving the crew a clearer and less ambiguous picture of the target much sooner than ever before. They can then engage the target with whichever of the helicopters weapons is most appropriate and maintain visual contact afterwards to perform instant battle damage assessment. Tri-band Omni-directional Mast Mounted Assembly (TOMMA) works with a separate Mini TCDL. Both VUIT kits combined weigh less than 56 lb (25.4 kg). LEVEL 4 CONTROL From 2012, a much more capable system will be available for Block III Apache Longbows. Packaged into a rotorhead-mounted housing, the Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) promises to enable the attack helicopters to take up to Level 4 control of any UAS with a TCDL installation aboard. With Level 4 control, Apache crew members can receive live imagery from the UAS, control its payload and manipulate its ight path by inserting waypoints. This enables them to send the UAS where they want it to go, to use its sensor package to acquire and track targets, and to designate and engage those targets with the unmanned aircrafts onboard designators and weapons. The system will also be fully integrated into the helicopters mission processors and displays to reduce crew workload, unlike the federated VUIT systems. The UTA has a high-gain Ku-band antenna that tracks the UAS in azimuth and elevation, while compensating for the helicopters motion, enabling long-range communication of high-denition imagery, including that from the Apaches Arrowhead M-TADS sensor. The assembly is visually and aerodynamically indistinguishable from the radome that contains the AN/APG78 Longbow millimetre wave radar. Offering two-way communication, switchable air and ground TCDL modes, and data rates of up to 45 Mbps, the UTA can link with UAS more than 50 km away and reach ground users more than 100 km away the latter range is limited only by the line of sight. It also offers continuous 360 azimuth coverage, +60 to -20 in elevation and 64 GB of data storage. The interface with the rest of the helicopters systems is via 100 Base-T Ethernet and the 1553 data bus. http://www2.l-3com.com/csw/productsandservices.aspx

Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL)

The most significant change to the A-10C is the addition of the Situational Awareness Data Link, or SADL. With SADL, the A-10C joins a massive Internet-like network of land, air, and sea systems. Each individual member uploads information for other platforms to see and use, and downloads information that it can use to better perform its mission. Pictured is a representation of what the data link looks like to pilots. The Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL) integrates US Air Force close air support aircraft with the digitised battlefield via the US Armys Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS). SADL provides secure, jam-resistant and contention free fighter-to-fighter, air-to-ground and ground-to-air data communications, facilitating position and status reporting for situation awareness. In the air to ground mode the pilot commands the SADL radio to synchronise with a specific ground network. His radio will share fighter-to-fighter data while recording ground positions from the EPLRS network. The SADL radio is integrated with aircraft avionics over the 1553 multiplex data bus, providing the pilot with data from other SADL equipped aircraft in Fighter to Fighter operation in addition to the positions of EPLRS-equipped aircraft and ground units. SADL is capable of fighter-to-fighter network operation without reliance on a ground-based EPLRS network control. The following fits are intended: US National Guard 1,000 on A10s and F16s (Block 30). On the F16 the SADL will display EPLRS equipped units within 500 metres of a target that the pilot plans to engage. The 5 closest EPLRS units are displayed regardless of target proximity.