Tactical data links, the promise and the reality. By Steve Goodman TISR Correspondent
cal director, Communications and Network To achieve the information dominance Solutions Business Area, Electronic Systems called for by today’s increasingly networkSector, BAE Systems Inc. “Since the data is centric warfare (NCW), wideband data must processed and put into a stanbe exchanged rapidly, accudard message format, very rately and securely through efficient use of bandwidth real-time battlefield networks and the radio frequency (RF) to allow warfighters not only spectrum can be achieved. to conduct combat operaTDLs are key to modern wartions, but also quickly assess fare to allow unambiguous and effectively respond to all communication of missionmanors of threats. Tactical critical data, such as where data links (TDL) are a critical the threat is located, where part of this network enabled the threat is moving, where approach to battle that will are the friendly forces, status continue to capitalize on the David Cooper of friendly forces and weapons power of linked assets and coordination.” cement the U.S. military as In a nutshell, the successful conduct of one of the most formidable forces in the network centric warfare cannot take place future battlespace. without a reliable and secure infrastruc“TDLs are generally used to send proture that allows information to be collected, cessed data using standard message formats analyzed and distributed as real-time intelthat can be easily understood by a wide ligence to provide field commanders with range of users,” said David Cooper, techniwww.TISR-kmi.com
superior situational awareness. Ground, air and sea forces operate simultaneously within the same theater against broad and disparate enemy threats. For modern warfighters, who are usually embroiled in asymmetrical conflicts, or irregular warfare, to be able to handle those threats, while at the same time be successful in avoiding engaging friendlies, they must have the advantage of superior knowledge and shared information. TDLs make that advantage possible. “Historically, TDLs were expensive and large, limiting their applicability to the largest C2 platforms. As technology has advanced, TDLs have reduced dramatically in both cost and size, allowing their use to be extended to strike fighters, ground vehicles and missiles,” said Cooper.
Combat Connectivity “Link 16” is a good example of a tactical data link. Link 16 is the primary data TISR 1.5 | 23