Message Standards
Key words and phrases: message standards, interoperability, STANAG, ADatP, DTDL-IRS, TDL planning, platform implementation, interoperability assurance, DStan helpdesk
Interoperability has been part of the NATO Alliance’s responsibility since its inception and is defined as “the ability of systems, units or forces to provide services to, and accept services from, other systems, units or forces and to use these services, so exchanged, to enable them to operate effectively together”. A lack of interoperability not only causes ineffective operations but may also lead to Blue-on-Blue engagements (Friendly Fire).
To promote interoperability, NATO member nations have developed Standardisation Agreements (STANAGs) and Allied Data Publications (ADatPs) that specify message details and protocols for the exchange of information over digital communication systems. International message standards such as STANAGs 5511, 5516, 5522 and 5616, publications such as ADatP-33, and UK national TDL standards such as the DTDL-IRS are continually being updated to meet emerging or changing operational requirements.
Within the UK, Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions has, over many years, been providing technical and operational support to the Integration Authority within the MOD’s Defence Procurement Agency, the UK Authority for development, maintenance and configuration management of TDL Standards. The purpose of these Standards is to define message standard protocols, transmit and receive rules, minimum implementation and the data element dictionary; procedures for TDL planning, management and operations are defined in ADatPs.
Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions consultants, who have extensive and detailed knowledge of NATO, UK and US national standards, attend NATO, Bi-lateral (UK/US and UK/French) and National TDL Configuration Control meetings in support of MOD personnel. They review change proposals submitted by other nations for impact on NATO standards, UK standards and UK platform implementations. The Company is regularly involved in detailed dialogue with other nations’ TDL experts and strives to achieve pragmatic interoperable solutions at all times.
Involvement in these activities has resulted in the establishment of an
extensive knowledge base of issues related to TDL Standards and communication
techniques. Our ‘Culture of Learning’ promotes both internal and external
dialogue that enables a pluralistic view on TDL issues to be adopted and
ultimately leads to a culture of
Interoperability
Assurance.
DStan Helpdesk Supporter
Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions is a participant in the Ministry of Defence UK Defence Standardization (DStan) Customer Care Programme. Under this programme, Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions provides specialist support to the DStan Helpdesk and advises on Tactical Data Links (TDL) issues. View extract from DStan website (new window). Visit DStan website (new window).
Further information is available from:
Email:
Tel: +44 (0)1252 732555
