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Welcome to TDL Technology Magazine!
TDL Technology, SyntheSys’ biannual publication, offers a collection of inspired articles about all aspects of Tactical Data Link (TDL) implementation, integration and management. The magazine aims to highlight current global development and unveils new technologies within the industry. TDL Technology is aimed at a variety of personnel who are interested in TDLs and related technology.
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Latest Issue: Summer 2024
A New Airborne Link 16 Capability - Metrea Mission Data Programme Supports Draken for the Royal Navy
In this edition of TDL Technology we are speaking with Nick Young, Head of Tactical Data Links at Metrea Mission Data. Nick’s team have recently developed a new airborne Link 16 capability, accredited and operational in just 12 months, all part of a programme for Draken supporting the Royal Navy.
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AI-Enhanced Battlefield Communication
Underpinning all domains, AI now enhances elements of vital processes necessary for the swift passage of accurate, secure, and timely information, predominantly through multi-modal communication systems.
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Tactical Data Links and the Importance of STEM Ambassadors for Future Generations
You may be wondering what a STEM Ambassador is and why the role may be relevant to Tactical Data Links. STEM is the abbreviation for Science Technology Engineering and Maths (including the Arts), but what exactly is a STEM Ambassador and what difference do they make?
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More From TDL Technology
The Growth of Tactical Data Links: Navigating an Ever-Evolving Landscape
For those seeking in-depth training insights, James Norful takes the lead on Page 7, presenting ‘Training to Keep Up with the Continuous Growth and Innovation within Tactical Data Links’. His perspective offers invaluable insights to ensure our defence personnel are always a step ahead in the world of TDL innovation.
The Growth of Tactical Data Links: Insights from ReportLinker
The Tactical Data Links (TDLs) industry, crucial for secure military communication protocols, has experienced notable growth, driven by factors such as increasing global military expenditure. This is according to a detailed analysis by ReportLinker.
Continuous Training to Keep Up with Growth & Innovation within Tactical Data Links
In the fast-paced world of Tactical Data Links (TDLs) staying ahead of the curve is crucial for ensuring effective military operations and maintaining a competitive edge. Innovation within TDLs is directly linked to continuous learning and training. This article emphasises the importance of ongoing training as a key driver of both growth and innovation within TDL systems.
Multi-Domain TDL Technology – A Journey to Net Zero
As appetites for innovation within the defence arena strengthen and the community navigates the opportunity and challenges presented by national and global net-zero objectives, our Senior Consultant, Kate Chandler, explores how increasing demand can be met whilst providing the vital assurance and validation processes that are critical to multi-domain operations.
Guest Article – An Alternative Approach to TDL Interoperability Management
ATEQ Consulting feature an article which dives deeper into an alternative approach to TDL Interoperability Management in times of budgetary constraints and a lack of resources.
2023 TDL Training Schedule
If developing TDL skills is a priority for the coming year, you may be interested in our training schedule which can be found throughout the magazine. Read more about our flagship Data Link Manager / Interface Control Officer Training here.
A Tribute to Her Majesty – 70 Years of TDLs
The recent passing of Her Majesty has resulted in an extensive overview of the past 70 years, focused mostly upon the cultural and socio-economic changes that have taken place during this period, but what of the technological developments in network-centric warfare?
Interoperability Musings from the Running Man
In this latest feature, Principal Consultant, Sam Southwell, entertains us with his reflections during a recent run after years of working on UK test and acceptance programmes. Sam also poses some frank questions about the future of interoperability assurance. For Sam’s full professional bio, visit:
https://bit.ly/3QtOACo
2023 TDL Training Schedule
If developing TDL skills is a priority for the coming year, you may be interested in our training schedule which can be found on page 11. Read more about our flagship Data Link Manager / Interface Control Officer Training here.
Interoperability vs Integration – What’s the Difference?
How can systems engineering effectively support technological development at pace? The validation of integration, defined as the process of combining two or more things in a successful way and interoperability, defined as the degree to which two or more programmes can be used together, is key for all future development activities, from conception to application and across all domains.
A Tribute to E-3D Sentry
The Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Boeing E-3D Sentry returned to its home base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire on 4th August 2021, having completed its final operational mission sortie. This latest article takes a look back in time at the incredible career of this unmistakeable feat of aerospace engineering.
Synapse – For Tactical Data Link Test and Training
For programme teams and organisations navigating the challenges of integration and interoperability testing and training, SyntheSys Defence introduces its latest innovation, Synapse.
Landing at 3 Counties Defence & Security Expo Showcase
This flagship event takes place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on 3rd & 4th November 2021. We will be participating in the MAKE UK Defence pavilion on day two of the event – 4th November. Read more about our attendance on pages 7-10.
Requirements Management & Model-Based Testing in Defence
The application of requirements-based testing, underpinned by a model-based approach during requirements definition, helps to identify issues early in the development life cycle. This article from the archives looks at how MBSE serves to minimise costs and risks in the development and maintenance of the system, as well as providing a direct correlation between clarified requirements and test cases for validation and verification purposes.
Military Avionics Access to Hyper Connected Air Traffic Management
The modernisation of civil aviation Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure is underway. Future aviation concepts will rely upon highly automated and hyper connected Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. This latest guest article is an abridged abstract of a EUROCONTROL paper written by Jorge Pereira, Head of the CNS Coordination Unit within the Civil Military ATM Coordination Division at EUROCONTROL.
The Value of a Simulated
Training Environment
Simulation technology presents huge opportunity for the TDL industry; as simulated TDL experiences and technology becomes more sophisticated, so too does the ability to imitate real-world scenarios. This article looks at the benefits and value.
Meet the Trainer: James Norful
Consultant James “JJ” Norful, 40, who lives in Heinsberg Germany, is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) Senior Surveillance Technician. Having spent 21 years flying on both the US and NATO AWACS, he brings a wealth of experience in the operations of TDLs.
Agile Systems Engineering
Many industries have now reached the threshold of complexity past which traditional methods of project management are no longer up to the task, but aerospace and defence was the first, and systems engineering was the result. This article explores how Agile and Systems Engineering can be combined to better manage complex TDL programmes.
Best Supporting Actor
Evolving the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Mission. An article provided by Athanasios Chouliaras via Armada International that examines how the electronic support mission performed by AEW aircraft is often overlooked and how this mission could be evolved.
Gordon Welchman – The Father of TDLs
World War Two (WW2) code-breaking ace Gordon Welchman can justifiably be described as one of the founding fathers of modern-day Tactical Data Links. Although subsequently overshadowed by the fame of Bletchley Park colleague, Alan Turing, Cambridge University maths genius Welchman was Turing’s equal in the cracking of the Nazi Engima code. Welchman was later responsible for helping to develop the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). This article explores Welchmans legacy.
TDL Interoperability Testing
What happens if you don’t test interoperability? Should we ‘dangle a carrot’ or ‘beat you with a stick’? This article looks at some of the potential consequences of neglecting to rigorously test TDL Interoperability by shining a light on some specific industry examples.
Demystifying TDLs - The Development of TDLs
In the last two editions of TDL Technology, our series on the demystification of TDLs looked at why we need TDLs, and the TDL Standards which govern the technical specifications of these systems. This article will examine the evolution of TDLs by making a chronologically ordered comparison of four major TDL systems – Link 11A, MIDS Link 16, Variable Message Format (VMF) and Link 22.
Image provided by Viasat
Link 16 Evolution: Making a Military Communications Protocol Even Better
We thank our guest contributor, Viasat for the article contribution which explains how they are helping the U.S. military adjust to new mission needs, enhance situational awareness, adapt to new technologies and improve warfighter safety.
iSMART Explained: A Look at the iSMART Document Suite
Defining the required functionality for Tactical Data Link systems is a complex process: which elements of the standards, do we need, is there anything we can change, and how do we document the decisions that were made?
Guest Article: Gateway to Multi-Domain Command and Control
Article courtesy of Major Aaron Sprecher and Major Sameek Parsa, United States of America (USA) Air Force (AF), NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control (NAEW&C) as featured in the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) Journal Ed 25.
Demystifying Tactical Data Links (TDLs): TDL Standards
Following our first article, which introduced digital tactical communications systems, we now discuss TDLs and the standards that define them and their operation.
Flying High - Shaping the Future of Drones in UK Cities
SyntheSys is delighted to have been involved in the high-profile development of the latest Industrial Strategy United Kingdom Research and Innovation Flying High project and subsequent Nesta report.
Today's Complex and Interwoven Multi-Link Environment
Tactical Data Links (TDLs) have been developed, purchased and brought into service in a piecemeal way and so there has, until recently, been no overall implementation plan to ensure interoperability of TDLs fitted to various platforms.
Commemorate, Celebrate, Inspire
April 1 1918 witnessed the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF), the world's first independent air force. The enduring theme for the RAF100 celebrations has been to commemorate the service and sacrifices of the past century, celebrate the highly capable force of today and inspire the next generation of RAF personnel.
Next Generation Tactical Data Link Systems Engineering Tools
This article looks at some of the current challenges and complexities with current Tactical Data Link (TDL) implementations and Support Tools and introduces the SyntheSys vision for the future.
System Wide Information Management
Strategic data links deliver the integrated capacity for the provision of an additional secure, independent method of communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft, but how? And what is the Single European Sky?
Viasat: Multi-Channel Link 16 Terminal
Viasat contributes to our community forum in Issue 6 with a feature on the Multi-Channel Link 16 Terminal for size, weight, and power-constrained platforms.
Why and How is Variable Message Format (VMF) so Adaptable?
We look at the 'magic behind the curtain' and explore VMF from both an operational and technical perspective.
Bundeswehr: Lt. Col. Volker Schaaf talks TIMBER EXPRESS
During 2017, the exercise TIMBER EXPRESS 2017 was conducted. Lt. Col. Volker Schaaf explains the details of the exercise in this riveting read.
Dutch Patriot Provision
A success story which illustrates how close coordination between military and civilian international organisations can lead to results far exceeding initial expectations, culminating in an optimal service for front line combatants.
Network Design for Link 22
Can an operator strengthen or weaken a Link 22 network? The answer is ‘Yes’ but it is complicated.
'Ski' talks Surveillance Time Slots
How many surveillance Time Slots should I request for a C2 JTIDS/MIDS Unit on a Link 16 network? All the answers explained.
Synthetic Training for Sea King
Synthetic training for the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control of 849 Naval Air Squadron took a huge leap forward as the squadron participated in a ground-breaking training event.
Image: Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Maximising the Potential of Rig to Rig Trial involvement
What practical steps can be taken to ensure the most is made out of platform participation in a rig to rig trial?
Interoperability assurance with Swedish defence material administration
SyntheSys adds value to the Swedish Defence Material Administration with test support.
Standards conformance testing: Application to VMF
What does standards conformance testing look like for VMF? In this article we explore how it can be applied effectively.
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Version 4.0s dated 13 November 2023