Other Tactical Data Link Protocols
Key words and phrases: tactical data link protocols, Army Tactical Data Link, PATRIOT Digital Information Link, Missile Battery Data Link, Ground Based Data Link, Inter Battery Data Link, Point to Point Data Link, Tactical Information Broadcast System, Situational Awareness Data Link, Enhanced Position Location Reporting System
Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions has a good understanding of protocols in use by other nations:
Army Tactical Data Link 1 - ATDL 1
ATDL-1 is a secure point-to-point full duplex link (transmits and receives simultaneously) for exchanging digital information among SAM systems and between Command and Control systems and SAM units. ATDL-1 data communication is capable of operation in either the High Frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands, SATCOM, or through landlines. ATDL-1 is utilised for C2, Intelligence reporting, target information and Track updates. ATDL-1 uses the Link 11 message catalogue. Crypto equipment used is primary the KG84C, however certain nations use KG84 compatible equipment.
Within the US ARMY the primary method of encryption is BULK-encryption. Within NATO the preferred method of encryption, when integrating through a CRC, is line encryption.
Within NATO ATDL-1 is employed in SAM Fire Distribution Centres and Weapon Systems (PATRIOT, HAWK, TSQ 73). In addition ATDL-1 is used to integrate SAM units into the Air Defence Ground Environment through the CRC SAM Interface (CSI).
PATRIOT Digital Information Link - PADIL
PADIL is a secure point-to-point full duplex link for exchanging information between PATRIOT battalions and batteries at a rate of 32 KBPS. It provides two-way simultaneous exchange with multi-routing to enhance survivability. PADIL data communications is capable of operation in either the High Frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands, SATCOM, or through landlines. PADIL is utilised within PATRIOT battalions only, for C2, Intelligence reporting, target information, Track updates, and system maintenance monitoring.
Missile Battery Data Link - MBDL
The Missile Battery Data Link (MBDL), is a link used to transfer data between NADGE CRCs and TSQ 38 or NIKE Battalion Operations Centres. It is also used to interface between CRC SAM Interfaces and NADGE CRC. It has limited capabilities due to a hardware oriented link format. It has a 750 BPS, point to point data transfer rate, is not crypto secure. The message set is limited to SAM commands, reference tracks through NATO Track Numbers (NTNs) or positions and SAM status.
Ground Based Data Link - GBDL
Inter Battery Data Link - IBDL
Point to Point Data Link - PPDL
GBDL, IBDL and PPDL are USMC HAWK specific data links. In the near future these TDLs will probably be replaced by VMF.
Tactical Information Broadcast System - TIBS
TIBS is an intelligence type data link that is used by US forces and some other nations to provide non-Link 16 units with a (near-) real time tactical picture. Especially employed in conjunction with Theatre Missile Defence operations. It then provides information on Ballistic Missile launches, launch positions, impact points etc.
Some of the remaining protocols in use by US developed Fighters (F16, F18) and Helicopters (Apache) are the following:
- Air Force Application Program and Development - AFAPD
- Marine Tactical System - MTS
- Intra-flight Data Link - IDL
- Tactical Fire - TACFIRE
- System: Automatic Target Handover System - ATHS 1 & 2
These systems, however, may be replaced in the near-future by Link 16 or VMF.
Situation Awareness Data Link - SADL
The Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL) integrates US Air Force close air support aircraft with the digitised battlefield via the US Army’s 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
- 1000 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.
Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS)
The US Army's current data networking system for the digitised battlefield, EPLRS provides on-the-move, high-speed, automated data exchange using a contention-free networking architecture. The capabilities of EPLRS address, not only data communication and position location-reporting / navigation functions, but also the distribution of command and control information and the exchange of air track data.
The system has the ability to distribute artillery fire requests and mission support data to multiple destinations, simultaneously. It also fulfils the Intelligence/Electronic Warfare requirements for collecting data from widely dispersed systems in the forward battle areas, and sending the information back to the combat force. The EPLRS network automatically reconfigures itself to overcome the line-of-sight limitations of UHF communications and jamming of the EPLRS system. This system also integrates the USAF’s Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL) during Close Air Support CAS operations.
Data Link descriptions: Tactical Data Links | Link 16 | Link 11 | Link 22 | IJMS | Link 1 | Link 14 | Link 4 | Other protocols | CDL, TCDL & HIDL | Satellite Link 16 | Variable Message Format - VMF
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