Military analysts generally agree that the evolution of Link 16 technology has improved warfighter platforms.
Link 16 is a secure system protocol that allows different military users to share data over the same network, which greatly enhances situational awareness during the chaos of battle.
And, despite Link 16’s success, the DoD is looking to expand Link 16 capabilities even further to maintain the tactical advantage needed to succeed across today’s data-driven, contested battlespace.
One vital idea is Concurrent Multiple Reception (CMR) in which a radio can demodulate and decrypt multiple messages from multiple users simultaneously.
In this modality, positional data is amplified. CMR enables more frequent, secure updates on the location of friendly and enemy forces. The data from multiple messages received simultaneously is fused into a common picture.
What this means for warfighters is that the picture seen on the tactical situational awareness display is even more robust. Tracks get updated more frequently due to reduced latency so the locations are more precise.
Multi-message capability also allows CMR devices to share data between specific users while still receiving information from the broader network, all in a single timeslot. This increases the overall network efficiency and capacity because multiple networks can operate in the same theater of operation.
CMR advancements are already available in the latest versions of Viasat’s AN/PRC-161 Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) handheld Link 16 radio, as well as its KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal.
Link 16 was created to advance Tactical Data Links (TDLs) as the NATO standard for data link information exchange. Link 16 equipment is located in ground, airborne, and sea-based air defense platforms and selected fighter aircraft.
Whether you are a single dismounted ground warfighter or a pilot supporting the fight from the sky, Link 16 delivers a complete air/ground picture with all operators and assets accounted for — even at the most remote edges of the battlefield.
Want to know more about Link 16? Tonex offers Advanced Link 16 Training, a 3-day course that covers advanced Link 16 concepts, Link 16 network architecture, Link 16 planning, Link 16 security, Link 16 Cybersecurity Link 16 operation and Link 16 management.
Additionally, Tonex offers another 45 courses in Aerospace & Defense Engineering, including:
—Combat Systems Engineering Training (3 days)
—DO-178 Training/DO-178C Training/DO-254 Training (4 days)
—Applied Systems Engineering for Logisticians (3 days)
—Intro to Fiber Optics and Infrared Sensors (3 days)
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