Multilink Processors (Link 11/16/22) and Integration Architectures

Data Link systems can be deployed to various platforms (ship, air, and land) in four different architectures: 1. Multilink Processor is embedded into Combat Management System (CMS)/ Avionic Mission Computer over native interface for full functionality 2. Multilink Processor integrated to legacy CMS with an adaptation module and adding Link Console for enhanced modernization in case CMS has limited functionality 3. Multilink Processor connected to legacy CMS with an adaptation module for modernization with limited functionality 4. Multilink Processor with Link Consoles for standalone capability for gaining data link capability in a simple and cheap way. Different architectures are suitable for different type of projects/systems. Option 1 is suitable for providing tactical data link capability to new systems. Option 2, 3, and 4 provide cost effective tactical data link capability to legacy systems (modernization projects) with minimum or no modification depending on the data link capability to be gained. MilSOFT has developed a Multilink Processor (Mil-DLP) which provides full compatibility to STANAG 5516 (Edition 5/6), STANAG 5511 (Edition 8), STANAG 5522 (Edition 4) and STANAG 5616 (Edition 5), including related Data Link Change Proposals (DLCPs -Foxtrot versions) and which can be fitted to target platform in all of the above integration architectures. MilSOFT has also its own fully Link16 compliant CMS. In this article utilization of tactical data link processors in various integration approaches and challenges faced during integration are detailed and MilSOFT’s solution for these integration architectures and challenges are discussed.