The Development of a UK Tactical Datalink for Time-Sensitive Targeting with Maximum Interoperability
Abstract
UK air-to-ground targeting against time-sensitive targets, or Close Air Support targets, has until recently been performed based upon information passed to the 'shooter' by voice. Modern weapons facilitate the shooter being able to stand off from the target at a distance where he may well not be able to bring his own sensors to bear. Furthermore, recent confrontations have been conducted within short distances of non-combatants, often in rapidly changing urban environments. Thus within the UK QinetiQ has progressed the development and installation of a tactical data link for over-the-air transmission of targeting data using standard in-service air and ground radios. Moreover, this has been performed in such a way as to afford maximum interoperability with UK, US and NATO equipment. The Improved Data Modem (IDM) has become a generic description of the data link type employed for this application. Since data links and general methods of digital communication are numerous, QinetiQ has made significant efforts not to continue this proliferation but to integrate the IDM with current in-service digital communication methods and current Command and Control software applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA520042
Entities
People
- Ken L. Edwards