Datalinks

Question 1

What should a modern TDL provide?

Answer 1

Accuracy, Speed, Security, Distribution, Clear, unambiguous format in an agreed standard and format.

Question 2

What is the definition of a Digital Data Link?

Answer 2

Automatic means of passing data in an agreed format and speed over a common medium.

Question 3

What is a tactical data link?

Answer 3

A digital data link carries sufficient data close enough to real time to be useful in tactical situation. Generally accepted to be 20 seconds or less.

Question 4

What does a TDL feed into?

Answer 4

Common Operational Picture (COP)

Question 5

What is a COP?

Answer 5

A common operating picture is a single point of reference of those involved and supports joint decision making.

Question 6

What will a TDL report?

Answer 6

Tracks (Hostile, Friendly and unknown).
Position, Heading, Speed, Altitude
Tactical Orders – Fire Control, Aircraft Control, EW Co-Ordination

Question 7

What will a TDL provide support to?

Answer 7

· Operational Intelligence
· Surveillance
· Reconnaissance
· Engagement and Weapon Status Information
· ID of Friendly Forces
· Conduit for Information Exchange

Question 8

What common attributes must a TDL have for forces to operate together?

Answer 8

· Bearer
· Format
· Document Interpretation
· Parameters
· Real Time
· Agreed Operating Procedures

Question 9

What does a TDL architecture consist of?

Answer 9

· Sensor
· Data Handling/Display
· Crypto
· Comms

Question 10

How can a TDL be propagated?

Answer 10

· Radio
· Landline
· SATCOM
· Microwave

Question 11

What are the 3 fundamental types of TDL system?

Answer 11

· Point to Point – Asset to Asset
· Broadcast – One asset broadcasts to all assets one way (Simplex)
· Netted – All assets on the same network communicate in all directions (Duplex)

Question 12

What are the TDL modes of operation?

Answer 12

· Simplex (One way only)
· Duplex ( Two way simultaneously (telephone)
Semi-Duplex (Not simultaneously)