Link 16 Advanced Training | Network Enabled Weapons Bootcamp

Link 16 Advanced Training, Network Enabled Weapons

Link 16 Advanced Training , Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) is a new 3-day training program covering both Link 16 and Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) principals using tactical data links.

Link 16 enabled Network Enabled Weapons (NEW), Weapon Data Link, is a capability for guided weapons. Link 16 along with Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) provides engagement at greater ranges and in all weather, high threat environments.

Link 16 Tactical Data Link (TDL) and enabling Network Enabled Weapon (NEW) capability for any guided weapon.

Link 16 design is very robust and provides confidence situational awareness data based on Link 16 design principals and has additional capabilities than is currently used.

Link 16 for tactical communications can be expanded as a Weapon Data Link.  It is a key asset in a net-centric operations environment, providing the warfighter with joint weapon tracking and fire control. Multi-channel Link 16 and UHF data-link functionality in a common form factor in use across multiple precision-guided weapon systems.

The Fast-sync feature attains Link 16 network entry and message availability within seconds, enabling Time Sensitive Targeting operations.

Link 16 deices with NSA certification provides interoperability with existing Link 16 and UHF tactical data-link networks.

When mission success is critical, Link 16 Network Enabled Weapons enable warfighters to engage stationary and moving targets at greater ranges and in all-weather, high threat environments.

Advanced Link 16 training Network Enabled Weapons training course covers the key topics related to Link 16 principals and applications like Link 16 Network Enabled Weapons. Network Enabled Weapons utilize and integrate enhanced Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) into existing Link 16 network infrastructure.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the attendees are be able to:

• Describe principles behind Tactical Data Links (TDL)
• Describe Link 16 as a TDL
• Link 16 protocol, architecture and functional characteristics
• Describe principles behind Weapon Data Link (WDL)
• List WDL features and benefits
• Describe concepts behind Net-Centric and Network Enabled Weapon (NEW)
• Define Network Enabled Weapon (NEW) requirements
• Discuss Network Enabled Weapon (NEW) with Link 16
• Describe operational procedures behind Link 16 Network Enabled Weapon (NEW)
• Explain Link 16 Network Enabled Weapon (NEW) design and implementation

Course Topics

Introduction to Tactical Data Links

• Tactical Data Links (TDL)
• Tactical Digital Information Link (TADIL)
• Essential communications channels between forces
• Approved standardized communication link
• United States and NATO designation of Link-16 as a tactical data link standard
• Support for interoperability
• Principles behind transmission of machine-readable, digital information
• TADIL J messages

Introduction to Link 16

• Link 16 Network and System Characteristics
• Principles behind RF
• Applied Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
• Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
• Link 16 Operational Capabilities
• Link 16 Situational Awareness
• Link 16 Messages
• Link 16 Design and Implementation
• Network Participation Groups (NPG)
• J-Series Messages
• Link 16 Network Enabled Weapons Requirements

Overview of Link 16 Capabilities

• Security
• Built-in encryption features
• Survivability
• Nodeless system
• Flexibility
• Resistance to electronic jamming
• High Capacity
• Near Real Time information exchange
• SA Information updated every 12 seconds

Link 16 Operational Applications

• Exchange tactical and operational information
• Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI)
• Status (Platform and Airfield)
• Surveillance (Tracks, Reference Points and Management)
• Command and Control (Mission Management, Coordination and Weapons Control)
• Electronic Warfare
• Intelligence
• Navigation
• Voice

Use of Link 16 in Tactical Communications

• Primarily Situation Awareness and Command and Control
• TADIL-J MIL-STD-6016C Messages
• Structured J-Series messages
• Voice and a little bit of Free-Text CHAT is deployed
• Theater Situation Awareness
• Link-16 Friendly Location and Status Reports
• Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI)
• Strong on the Air/Ship Picture with more & more Surface
• Status strongest on Air/Ship Platforms and Air OPS Centers
• Sensor Platform Reported Air and Surface Tracks
• Forwarded INTEL and “Friendly” Information
• Sensor Data for Cross-Sensor Fusion
• Command and Control
• Mission Assignments and Responses
• Many Unique Service Messages

Basic Link 16 Operational Functionalities

• Link 16 support of military functions/tasks
• Air Defense
• Anti-Air Warfare
• Anti-Surface Warfare
• Anti-Submarine
• Warfare
• Reconnaissance and
• Intelligence gathering
• Electronic Warfare (EW)
• Air to Air and Air to
• Ground Targeting
• Frequency band
• Uses a UHF frequency range of 969 – 1206 MHz
• Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) architecture
• Capability to exchange many different types of information
• Tactical and operational data

Link 16 Nodes and Terminals

• Link 16 Terminal Waveforms
• Link 16 Networks and Nets
• Link 16 Network Access Modes
• Link 16 Network Time and Synchronization
• Link 16 Network Roles
• Link 16 Security Principles
• Link 16 Relaying Capabilities and Network Relays
• Link 16 Terminal Types

Expanded Use of Link 16

• Weapon Data Links (WDL)
• Extend Command and Control and Weapon SA to the tactical environment
• Link 16 provides the necessary infrastructure in a secure A/J radio
• Users at the Tactical Edge
• Provide a link to bring the air picture to the ground
• Place the ground user data to the air picture
• Expand the communication bandwidth
• Divide the frame into theater wide and multiple local areas through multiple nets
• Free up bandwidth for new information types
• Last hop for IP transport
• Link 16 to provide transport for IP packets
• Create more flexible allocation of bandwidth

Link 16 for Tactical Edge Users

• What Do Users at the Tactical Edge Want
• “Real Time” Access to Situation Awareness
• Ground Users want Primarily the Air Picture
• Low Air Users want Air and Surface Pictures
• Enemy Tracks, Surface Threats, hostile “friends”
• Identify themselves to the hostile “friends” and to avoid close encounters
• Know what Friends are nearby to help
• Low latency connection with access to Command and Control

Weapon Data Links Operational Background

• Current weapon systems
• Updated in flight or implement stove-piped support infrastructure
• Network Centric Warfare Requirements
• Connectivity and interoperability between sensor platforms, shooter platforms and weapons/munitions
• Operational flexibility and agility through decoupled sensors and tactical networks
• Desired Capabilities
• Weapon in-flight target update –key for time sensitive and movers
• Weapon retargeting –importance increases for standoff
• Weapon in-flight tracking –important for strike de-confliction and synchronization
• Weapon status –BIT/health, arming status, location, target acquisition
• Weapon abort

Developments for WDL Radios

• Form Factor
• Conform to existing and future weapons
• Multi-Channel Operation
• SCA compliant waveforms in the 225 –400 MHz band for UHF LOS and 960 –1215 MHz for Link 16
• Harris-ViaSat SDB II Terminal
• Rockwell TacNet For JSOW
• WDL CONOPS
• Receives Target Coordinates from Sensor/C2 over Link-16
• Tests Weapon
• Launches Weapon
• Link-16 Retarget Command and Verification
• Link-16 Switch to Terminal
• Receives New Target Coordinates from Sensor/C2 over Link-16Link-16 Location and Target Confirm
• Future Handover WDL CONOPS
• Pilot Receive Initial Target from Sensor/C2 over
• Initiates Weapon on Link-16
• Launches Weapon
• Guides to Handover Point

Network Enabled Weapon Requirements

• Transmit target coordinates to a weapon in flight
• Alter missions of airborne platforms and weapons with Receipt/Compliable messages
• Provide weapon abort
• Message implementation
• J or K-series messages over:
• Line of Sight UHF and Link 16
• Over the Horizon Communications
• Network enhancements
• Dynamic weapons employment infrastructure to support multiple weapons in flight
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Robustness
• Low Latency

Overview of Link 16 Network Enable Weapons (NEW)

• Overview of Network Enabled Weapons
• Why Expand the Use of Link 16
• New applications
• Use Link 16 to distribute other types of data, e.g. images, weapon control, etc.
• New users
• Air-Ground coordination –equip both air and ground platforms to exchange data
• Network Enabled Weapon Design and Implementation Requirements
• Network Enabled Weapon Architecture
• Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Features

Link 16 Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Features

• Tactical edge connectivity
• Hierarchical communication nets
• Transport for IP connectivity support
• New capabilities with new, smaller, and lower cost radio equipment
• Advanced Link 16 network planning processes for Network Enabled Weapon (NEW)
• IP transport functionality additions for Network Enabled Weapon (NEW)
• NSA Type-1 Certifications
• Advanced Security Features
• Rugged Weapon Environment Design
• Link 16 Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Operational Scenarios
• Moving target engagement

Next Generation of Link 16 Terminals

• Improved capabilities and reduced SWAP
• Brings Link 16 to the tactical edge
• Tactical Link 16 Products
• 2-Channel Small Adaptable Form Factor (SAFF) terminal

Battlefield Networked Coordination

• Airborne Gateway Provides Battlespace Interoperability + Theater Wide ISR COP
• UGCS Monitors UAV Health Status, Co-Pilot and Flt Ops
• Network provides coordination and access to information BCT TOC
• Airborne Gateway
• Medevac
• Troops in ContactUAV provides Sensor video of enemy & coms relay
• SWT supporting TIC
• Battlefield Networked Coordination

Link 16 for IP Transport

• IP Transport over Link 16
• IP can extend the types of information that can be communicated over the link and reduce the complexity of gateways
• New information without having to define and integrate new TADIL J messages
• Radical extension of J27-30 National Messages
• Extend IP netted information to Link 16 equipped users without translation
• Enables participation in heterogeneous information network communication
• IP transport over Link 16
• Greater efficiency through Stacking

Link-16 Network for Last Hop IP Transport

• Backbone &
• User Networks
• S. AIR FORCE
• MIDS Router Terminal
• L16 Edge user
• IP SubnetIP Subnet
• IP Subnet
• Each Router Terminal has assigned IP subnet and responsibility to manage that subnet (Like your ISP Network or Corporate Network)
• Accepts participants and grants temporary IP addresses
• Manages time slot assignments for Link-16 subnet
• Serves as router for subnet participants to access external information