Link 1
Encyclopedia
Link 1 is a computer network
standard developed by NATO to provide information exchange for air defence.
, non-encrypted
, digital
NATO Tactical Data Link
(TDL) Standard for the automatic exchange of Track and Strobe data, combined with link and data management messages between ground based ASACS-elements / e.g. CRC and CAOC), specific units (TACCS / MC) and data link buffers (SSSB, CSI).
In everyday language, the different meaning of the wording Link 1 TDL Standard (format) and Link 1 information content (subject matter) to be transmitted on this particular TDL Standard is mixed up in many cases.
) in the mid 1960s. These proprietary types of data formats do not support direct data and information exchange between different military IT architectures without specific conversion of data.
NATO TDL Standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Sub-Committee (ISSC). See also TDL Synopsis).
(PfP) countries. Air Force internal it supports NATO Air Defence Ground Environment (NADGE)
and is used by the TACC Service, in CRC, CAOC and Air Defence.
(RAP).
(NADGE):
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
standard developed by NATO to provide information exchange for air defence.
General description
Link 1 is a point-to-point, duplexDuplex (telecommunications)
A duplex communication system is a system composed of two connected parties or devices that can communicate with one another in both directions. The term multiplexing is used when describing communication between more than two parties or devices....
, non-encrypted
Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. The result of the process is encrypted information...
, digital
Digital
A digital system is a data technology that uses discrete values. By contrast, non-digital systems use a continuous range of values to represent information...
NATO Tactical Data Link
Tactical Data Link
- Definition :A Tactical Data Link uses a data link standard in order to provide communication via radio waves or cable used by the U.S. armed forces and NATO nations...
(TDL) Standard for the automatic exchange of Track and Strobe data, combined with link and data management messages between ground based ASACS-elements / e.g. CRC and CAOC), specific units (TACCS / MC) and data link buffers (SSSB, CSI).
In everyday language, the different meaning of the wording Link 1 TDL Standard (format) and Link 1 information content (subject matter) to be transmitted on this particular TDL Standard is mixed up in many cases.
History
Link 1 is a NATO first Generation’s TDL Standard. It was developed in the 1950s as pure Air Surveillance data link format in order to exchange radar track date between defined Areas of Responsibility – AOR (geographical areas) or Track Continuity Ares (TCA).Data links first generation
NATO first generation’s TDL Standards were developed in line with the appropriate Standardization Agreement (STANAGSTANAG
STANAG is the NATO abbreviation for Standardization Agreement, which sets up processes, procedures, terms, and conditions for common military or technical procedures or equipment between the member countries of the alliance. Each NATO state ratifies a STANAG and implements it within their own...
) in the mid 1960s. These proprietary types of data formats do not support direct data and information exchange between different military IT architectures without specific conversion of data.
NATO TDL Standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Sub-Committee (ISSC). See also TDL Synopsis).
Utilisation
Today the Link 1 TDL Standard is not only used by NATO nations but also in Partnership for PeacePartnership for Peace
Partnership for Peace is a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation program aimed at creating trust between NATO and other states in Europe and the former Soviet Union; 22 States are members...
(PfP) countries. Air Force internal it supports NATO Air Defence Ground Environment (NADGE)
Integrated NATO Air Defense System
Integrated NATO Air Defense System or INADS was the NATO response to the Russian development of long range bombers in the 1950s. The need to maintain a credible deterrence when early warning and intercept times were massively reduced led to the development of an improved air defense ...
and is used by the TACC Service, in CRC, CAOC and Air Defence.
Types of tracks
The following tracks are exchanged by Link 1 between different users of the Recognized Air PictureRecognized Air Picture
A Recognized Air Picture or RAP is a complete listing of all aircraft in flight within a particular airspace, with each aircraft being identified as friendly or hostile, and ideally containing additional information such as type of aircraft, flight number, and flight plan...
(RAP).
- Ground Environment Tracks (GE Tracks):
tracks, which have received their last position-update by a ground site. These are either local ore remote. - Airborne Early WarningAirborne Early WarningAn airborne early warning and control system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft at long ranges and control and command the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack plane strikes...
Tracks (AEW Tracks):
Tracks, which have received their last position-update by a AEW-platforms. These are always remote. - GE / AEW Tracks:
These Tracks are used as “Track Pairs” for registration purposes and are update by both the ground site and AEW. - E-3A Tracks:
The Tracks of an active E-3A, usually correlated with the received P-1 Message on IJMS.
Messages
The following link messages are supported by Link 1 in the NATO Air Defense Ground EnvironmentIntegrated NATO Air Defense System
Integrated NATO Air Defense System or INADS was the NATO response to the Russian development of long range bombers in the 1950s. The need to maintain a credible deterrence when early warning and intercept times were massively reduced led to the development of an improved air defense ...
(NADGE):
- S0 – Track Message: Used to test the channel in order to exchange Link 1 data. The S0 is, on average, transmitted every 10 seconds.
- S3 – IFFIFFIFF, Iff or iff may refer to:Technology/Science:* Identification friend or foe, an electronic radio-based identification system using transponders...
/ SIF Message: Use to transmit the IFF / SIF Mode 1Aviation transponder interrogation modesAn aviation transponder interrogation mode is the format of a sequence of pulses from an interrogating SSR radar, or similar system, and reply format usually referred to as a "Code" from a transponder, used to determine detailed information from a suitably equipped aircraft.In its simplest form, a...
, 2 and 3 on a specific Track. This Message is always associated with a S4 Basic Track Data Messages. - S4 – Basic Track Data Message: Used to report the basic positional data of a track. The S4 is either associated with S3 or an S5 message.
- S5 – Expanded Track Data Message: Used in conjunction with S4 (or S8) to report the additional data of a track. The initial transmission of an S4 / S5 message combination initiates a new Track at the receiving Link 1 site.
- S6 – Weapon Assignment Message: Used to transmit weapon assignment S6 Messages.
Specification
The NATO Link 1 TDL Standard is characterised by the specification as:| Link 1 | Specification | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | STANAG 5501 (Ed. 4) Jan 2007 NCGX-101-IS |
|
| Standardization level | NATO Data Link Standard | S-series-messages |
| Configuration’s controlling |
- ADSC (Implementation) - ADSIA (Standards) |
|
| Services concerned and TACC Systems |
Air Force, Army NADGE, national weapon management systems |
|
| Messages transmitted |
1. surveillance (only air) 2. ECM-strobe-tell 3. Info-management |
|
| Message- format |
2 messages/frame - 128 bits/frame - 49 infobits/message |
fixed message format |
| Message Series | S-series | |
| Number of Messages | 6 | |
| Speed of transmission |
1200 bit/sec (basic speed) 600 or 2400 bit/sec (alternate speed) |
|
| Communication | FSK, point-to-point | FOC, Wire, Radio relay |
| IT-Security | ECM Encrytion |
NO NO |
| Releasable to: | - NATO - PfP nations - Internet |
Yes Yes Yes |