Link-16 Tactical Data Link (TDL) Transformation
Abstract
The P771 program was developed to transform Joint Tactical Data Links (TDLs) (primarily the J Series of Link 16, Link 22, and Variable Message Format (VMF)) to comply with the Department’s Net-Centric vision. The program encapsulates the Department's needs for joint and combined network-enabled capabilities for TDLs and is being expanded to assess and transform Joint data link communications, such as the Multifunctional Advanced Data Link (MADL), Common Data Link (CDL), and Network Enabled Weapons (NEW), to the net centric standards, and to ensure interoperability and seamless integration with Joint communication systems. The implementation of these network capabilities into the data link environment will enhance the decision cycle between sensor-to-shooter; providing information-superiority, shared environment that enhances combat power by increasing speed of command, higher tempo of operations, greater lethality, increased survivability, and self synchronization. This transformation must balance the needs of the warfighters with the requirements for net centric operations The funds provided by this budget request were used in 2009 to ensure the timely implementation of net centric goals by incorporating these network-enabling capabilities into the Joint Tactical Data Enterprise Services (TDES) Migration Plan (JTMP). The 2008 JTMP and the 2010 update will be used as a baseline to support the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in further analyzing the validated warfighter capability needs for the primary TDL, MADL, and CDL communications across the full set of mission areas in order to identify possible solutions to meet those needs across the range of Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel and Facilities (DOTMLPF) and assess the synchronization planning and capability delivery management activities to support Joint Net-Centric Operations Capability Portfolio Management (NC CPM) objectives. In addition the funds were used to develop an integrated joint airborne architecture, ensuring adherence to the GIG enterprise wide technical baseline. The NC CPM will work with the Services in this near-term analysis and with our Allied/Coalition partners in future analysis to validate the acquisitions and fielding plans needed for net centric goals. In addition, an Advanced Tactical Data Link (ATDL) assessment was started to evaluate various data link alternatives for contested and anti access airspace scenarios. This study will be expanded in 2010 and 2011 to incorporate the CDL family of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) communications systems, including the systems used with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS), with subsequent year’s funding being used to expand the JTMP to include the results of this CDL analysis. A final area to be added will be to ensure that TDLs systems are properly integrated with the other systems part of the net centric architecture, utilizing a new analysis tool the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS). The program will continue to fund the development of spectrum management and oversight for the TDES systems, and to fund for the coordination of these development efforts with the Services and other US and International spectrum management agencies, including the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to obtain Link 16 spectrum certification. In addition, funding will continue to be used to support the Defense Information System's Agency's (DISA) and Services' interoperable improvement efforts and processes in the development of common standards and protocols. This effort includes initiating the Joint Interoperability Enhancement Process (IEP) that allows operators, engineers, and program managers to verify capabilities and identify issues in a design with Joint /Allied units prior to system fielding, or with fielded systems to identify required systems changes for systems upgrade planning. DISA and Joint Forces Combatant Command (JFCOM) will lead the effort to transform the current standards and interoperability management tools to a common set of Joint network-enabled standards to ensure adherence to the GIG enterprise wide technical baseline and for implementation of future TDES capabilities. These joint standards, protocols, and processes will be used for implementation and testing to ensure the TDES capabilities are synchronized with the development and integration timelines of other planned network-enabled Global Information Grid (GIG) initiatives. The threats to the networking waveforms and the Joint NET CENTRIC migration will also be looked at in cooperation with the Intelligence agencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 771_0604771D8Z_5_0400_PB_2011
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