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Link 16 Training

Without question, Link 16 has become an invaluable Tactical Data Link (TDL) network used by U.S. and NATO Allies to create situational awareness among dispersed battle elements by sharing information over a common communication link.

The importance of Link 16 is underscored by its rapidly expanding uses. For example, the U.S. military has expressed strong interest in expanding Link 16 capabilities to maintain the tactical advantage needed to succeed across today’s data-driven, contested battlespace. One solution is Concurrent Multiple Reception (CMR) in which a radio can demodulate and decrypt multiple messages from multiple users simultaneously.

COURSE NAMELENGTH
Advanced Link 16 Training3 days
Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol Training | JREAP Training Bootcamp4 days
Link 16 Advanced Training | Network Enabled Weapons Bootcamp4 days
Link 16 and MIDS Training Bootcamp5 days
Link 16 Cybersecurity Crash Course4 days
Link 16 Systems Engineering Training Course3 days
Link 16 Training for Managers3 days
Link 16 Training | Courses | Tactical Data Link Training3 days
Tactical Data Link Training Crash Course | TDL Training Bootcamp4 days
Tactical Data Links (TDL) Testing Training Bootcamp4 days
Variable Message Format (VMF) Training Bootcamp4 days

And now Link 16 applications are moving into space. The Link 16-capable LEO spacecraft is intended to further enhance situational awareness for warfighters by using a constellation of satellites to provide greater access to Link 16 capabilities in contested or congested environments and extend the range of the networks.

However, the main application of Link 16 is still as an air and missile defense command and control system. This network is being used by various countries for national air defense, linking their sea- and land-based vessels, ground-based sensors and surface-to-air missile systems. This helps them to protect their airspace by identifying threats and neutralizing them.

Benefits of Link 16 include:

  • Allows for real-time transfer of combat data, voice communications, imagery, and relative navigation information between dispersed battle elements
  • Facilitates the exchange of data over a common communication link, allowing participants to obtain and share situational awareness information
  • Facilitates the exchange of sensor information, enabling command and control centers to create COPs
  • Enables information dissemination from command and control centers and warfighters, as well as information exchanges between warfighters

Another crucial aspect of Link 16 is its anti-jamming technology that prevents the enemy from eavesdropping. In the Link 16 TDL this is accomplished through “frequency hopping,” a method used to rapidly switch transmitting radio signals among several frequency channels.

Link 16 Training Courses by Tonex

Link 16 Training by Tonex covers fundamental principles and the foundation of Link 16 as a data communication standard and technology developed under the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System) program in 1975.

JTIDS terminals or Class 1 terminals were large and  installed only on AWACS and at many U.S., U.K., and NATO ground-control facilities.  JTIDS terminals (Class 2) developed later on as value added and enhancements. These terminals had higher cost, were larger, and introduced some reliability issues, example in U.S. Navy F-14Ds and a single squadron of U.S. Air Force F-15Cs.

Link-16 is a considered as a remarkable survivable radio communications system, designed  with reliability in mind including reliable situational awareness (SA) for fast-moving forces.

LINK-16 operates in  L-band employing 51 frequencies within the range 960-1215 MHz as a trade-offs for  performance and achievability.

Tonex Link 16 training course covers many Link 16 topics. Learn about LINK 16 terminology and principles including:

  • Introduction to Link 16
  • Basic principles of Link 16
  • Link 16 system architecture and principles
  • JTIDS network
  • JTIDS Waveform
  • Link 16 multiple access
  • Principles behind TDMA
  • What is Time Division Multiple Access?
  • Link 16 frequency
  • Link 16 frequency remapping
  • TADIL J data sets
  • Link 16 network planning
  • Data link messages
  • Data link message format
  • Message routing
  • Message encryption and transmission
  • Message content
  • Link 16 networks
  • Link 16 nets
  • Network roles
  • Network Participation Groups (NPG)
  • Network relays
  • Link 16 network management
  • Link 16 deployment
  • Link 16 terminals
  • Waveform generation
  • Terminal synchronization
  • Link 16 Network Security

Link 16 Features

  • Security features
  • Nodeless system and survivability
  • Information exchange
  • Electronic jamming resistance
  • High capacity of data exchange
  • SA information update
  • Near real time information exchange
  • Link 16 operational applications
  • Basic technical characteristics
  • Link 16 architecture and time slots
  • Space track Message
  • Reference Point
  • Track Management (Drop Track)
  • Surface (Maritime) Platform and System Status
  • Surface (Land) Platform and System Status (only for SSM & SAM Sites)
  • Land Point or Track

Tonex is internationally recognized as a Tactical Data Link training provider with subject matter experts.

For more information, questions, comments, contact us.

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