1. RN Ship Link 16 UOR
Martin Wicks - Aerosystems International

2. Task
In the build up to Op Telic AeI was tasked with installing Link 16 Stand-Alone Capability (L16 SAC) on various types of RN ships.
This presentation covers
Why AeI were used
How the UOR was accomplished
What capability has been delivered
Lessons Learnt

3. Why AeI?
Proven record of delivering capability in challenging UOR time frame
Tanker UOR JTIDS
Proven capability in JTIDS/Link 16 systems
The provider of Data Link solutions to the majority of the UK platforms
Established team-working relationships with the Tactical Data Link IPT
Established products available with no significant development required.
On the shelf

4. Data Links - Product Strategy
Within the field of tactical data links it is AeI’s policy to design and develop a range of software product-components, that are functionally complementary to each other, and can work together to provide our customers with complete systems that are interoperable and supportable.

5. RN Ship Interim Fit RN Ship Stand-Alone Fit
Test & Integration
Le DLS
LASS
DNS
JATS
Astor
Norway
Greece
Tanker UOR
RN Ship Interim Fit RN Ship Stand-Alone Fit
Situation Awareness
Network Management
DLOC JPC
NC3A JPC
1ACC JPC
Norway JPC
SKW Trainer
CTT5
DLS
MCT
Simulation & Training
AeI Products
Data Link Processors
Astute
MR2
JLC
Interoperability Test
LION
Norway
Data Link Product Lines
SMART
IDPF
DLCS
Cayman
MUX
Qualified Product Components
DAMSL
DATM
TRT
SALAD
ATLAS
AGILE
Draft 3 - Feb 03

6. Message Interface (MIF)
TDL Components
Host Tactical System
TCS
SALAD
SDR
ATLAS
Cayman
SMART
Rec File
L16 TRT
JTIDS Terminal
L11 TRT
Link 11 DTS
IDPF
Load File
Net Design
AGILE
Message Interface (MIF)

7. Product Attributes
Good functional partitioning yields a set of modular and complementary product-components.
The framework is adaptive and extensible to accommodate changes in technology rapidly (e.g. various terminal types, new TDLs)
The product-components share a common standards-based interface so that they can be ‘glued’ together.
Built-in recording and playback.
The interface supports ‘remote’ connections to yield distributed systems.
Operating system and platform independent.

8. Message Interface (MIF)
L16 SAC Components
IDPF
Load File
Net Design
TCS
SALAD
JTIDS Terminal
ATLAS
L16 TRT
Cayman
SMART
Link 11 DTS
AGILE
L11 TRT
Message Interface (MIF)
SDR
Rec File
Host Tactical System

9. L16 SAC Components IDPF Load File Net Design TCS SALAD JTIDS Terminal
ATLAS
L16 TRT
SMART
SDR
Rec File

10. L16 SAC Architecture

11. Physical
Equipment Crate
Remote Crate

12. System Capabilities
The L16 SAC is a non-integrated Link 16 system utilising the AN/URC-138 airborne terminal. It provides the ship with:
Multiple Situational Awareness Displays.
Transmission of J2.3 PPLI (Host Generated), J28.2/ANFT Free Text and JTIDS Voice (2.4kbps and 16kbps).
Advanced Network Monitoring (via ATLAS).
Dynamic Network Management.
Initialisation Data Preparation Facility (IDPF)
Remote Terminal Control.
Built-in navigation feed (GPS)

13. Capabilities Strengths Available, off the shelf hardware and software
Readily installed with no impact on existing on-board system
Good appreciation of Link 16 tactical picture
Ability to transmit free text messages
Secure JTIDS voice
Self identification on the JTIDS network
Affordable due to very low impact on existing ship systems

14. Capabilities Weaknesses - Lack of integration with on-board systems
no transmission of local sensor data on the network
no fusion of Link 16 and organic sensor pictures
Swivel chair interface for the operator between L16 SAC and combat system

15. Development Opportunities
Integration
AeI are working on an fully integrated multi-link solution with the combat system provider (AMS)
Based on our CAYMAN Multi-Link Processor
Resolves the weaknesses in the existing fit
Requires combat system changes (to accommodate Link 16) that have already been completed as part of the RNJSS programme
This integration has been demonstrated by a joint AeI and AMS team

16. HMI

17. Time-Scales
To date, 7 ships have received the full L16 SAC with 2 ships fitted ‘for but not with’
Further ships are being fitted
Typical fit process
Survey ship
Fit System
Test System
Train Crew
Get Contract

18. AeI as Prime Contractor
Responsible for ship-fitting
Underhill Engineering and BAE - SWSE
Documentation
Training
Initial course plus 3 days at sea for each ship
some in UK, some Mediterranean and some in Theatre
Support
Field service engineer arrangements

19. Lessons Learnt Radars are good at frying GPS equipment
When you fit a situational display in the captain’s cabin you need a mahogany supplier and skilled craftsmen

20. Lessons Learnt
Capability can be delivered in short time-scales and within tight budgets - can general procurement practices learn from this
Training is a key issue for planning, set-up and ongoing operation of the system
Flexibility of our staff is key in being able to deliver UORs
Close team working with Navy, TDL IPT and subcontract suppliers is critical

21. Summary UOR fit achieved very rapidly to meet fleet needs
Close team-working a key enabler to achieving these programmes
Fleet connectivity with Link 16 for coalition operations
Situational Awareness
PPLI
Astonishing Value for money