DInfoCom/0125 - Developing the Understanding to Optimise Data Links in Land Information Manoeuvre

There is currently a lack of an effective Tactical Data Link (TDL) in the Land Domain, meaning an insufficient ability to generate, manage and maintain a continuous Recognised Air Picture (RAP). The TDL capability is central to ensuring dissemination of the RAP and associated tactical information, and secure comms, to all network participants - Maritime, Land and Air. Without an effective TDL there is an inadequate capability to direct and draw situational awareness (voice and data) from Air, Aviation, Maritime, ISTAR and GBAD into the Land Domain. There is plenty of agreement that the C2 capabilities delivered by interoperable TDLs are becoming increasingly important to operational commanders.

The AH 64E and CH47 (ER) are both MOTS FMS 'no white space' projects, fitted with US specification CIS. This has led to interoperability issues with both current UK CIS and future projects. Aviation platforms produce a significant amount of data and currently there is limited CIS that can reconcile that data for Ground FEs. Exploiting TDLs will significantly improve the ability to interoperate with future AH platforms at the tactical level to allow SA, voice and data to be shared between FE's and AH platforms.

Maximising the data link capabilities in the LD through exploitation of future aviation capabilities, coupled with the use of range extension protocols, such as the Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP) through Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) programmes, will allow datalink-fed distributed common operating pictures and C2 down into dismounted situational awareness solutions. This capability significantly increases the effectiveness of Land Information manoeuvre to provide commanders with a cognitive advantage enabled by the virtual domain.

CIS Interoperability with future AH 64E and the provision of a Recognised Air Picture in the Land Domain are both significant risks that scored highly on Capability Audit 19. A study into the effective use of TDLs will look to feed an option into the next Balance of Investment (BOI).

Commission a study that will look to capture the network integration challenges and opportunities for datalink-enabled capabilities in the Land Domain. This will enable the development of a coherent strategy to their achievement. The study will specifically look at linkages across Land Forces and between Land and other Joint environments (including multi-national) to enhance Shared Situational Awareness and communications to maximise Land Information Manoeuvre. Although not defining linkages to initiatives including LE TacCIS, ZODIAC and NIOBE specifically, the study will highlight touch points and the challenges and opportunities of such interactions. Cyber vulnerabilities, information assurance and EW-resilience will also be important aspects in terms of evidence for the Cap Audit.