Introduction History Variable Message Format (VMF) What is ...

1 Is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFV ariable Message Format (VMF) international Data Link Society Washington DC 16-18 Oct 2007 SyntheSysSt. Hilda s Business CentreWhitbyNorth YorkshireYO22 4 EUEnglandT: +44 (0) 1947 821464F: +44 (0) 1947 603301E: is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFI ntroduction Tony Castle VMF Training Brief What it is What is it used for? Typical equipment Interoperability Who uses it Practical is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF History Prior to 1984 all US forces committed to Link 16 fixed Format messages No CAS or ground warfare messages in J series US Army and Marine Corps required greater flexibility Variable Format Messages US Army and USMC embark upon Link 16 Variable Format Message project is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF History Link 16 too expensive for USA and USMC USAF and USN reluctant to adopt VMF Huge investment in Link 16 USA and USMC developed JVMF Fragmentation of effort led to incompatible is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF History 1987 Pentagon directive more IO Aim was to achieve common standard 1993 first edition of MIL-STD-188-220 VMF also part of J-Series is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFJ-Series Family Link 16 Only true J- Series TDL Link 22 50%

2 FJ- Series, 50% F-Series VMF and IBS no J- Series but share Data Element DirectoryLink 16 VMFLink is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Uses VMF is ideally suited to the following: Fire Support Close Air Support Situational Awareness Manoeuvre Logistics Administration Both tactical and strategic requirements supported Message catalogue is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Characteristics VMF system has 3 main elements: Bearer Message Header Message Each element is defined in a separate is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFD ocuments MIL-STD-188-220 Bearer Definition Specifies CNR protocols MIL-STD-2045-47001 Message Headers Defines the headers required for Message transfer MIL-STD-6017 VMF Message Standard No NATO documents Variable Message Format Link requirement May use is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF SystemMessageHeaderHost is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF EquipmentImproved Data ModemAH-64 Apache DisplaysSINCGARS is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Messages Uses K-Series messages Detailed in MIL-STD-6017 Member of the J-Series family Message fields are only sent as requiredLink 16 VMFLink is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFE xample Link 16 J Air track Message consists of 225 bits

3 Transmitted every 12 secs Contains Identity, Position, Heading, Speed, Height, IFF etc. If only position and IFF changes whole 225 bits re-transmitted Not efficient use of is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFE xample VMF Same Scenario -Initial Report Identity Position Heading Speed HeightIFF Update Position IFFG reater is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFFPI, FRI, GPI, GRI Field Presence Indicator (FPI) Indicates the presence of an optional field Field Recurrence Indicator (FRI) Indicates whether a field will be repeated Group Presence Indicator (GPI) A group of related fields is present Group Recurrence Indicator (GRI) Indicates group is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFF ield Presence Indicator Simplistic example - 5 x Fields: Field 1 Mandatory (M) Fields 2-5 - optional - Fields 3-4 omittedField 1 Mandatory (M) - no FPI requiredFPI=1 - optional field follows (Field 2)FPI=0 - next optional field will be omitted (Field 3)FPI=0 - next optional field will be omitted (Field 4)FPI=1 - next optional field follows (Field 5)Field 1 MFPI =1 Field 2 OptionalPresentFPI =0 FPI =0 FPI =1 Field 5 is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Messages Comprehensive Message catalogue Defined in MIL-STD-6017 VMF K-Series messages are sub divided into Functional Area Designators (FAD)

4 Not used the same as Link 16 NPGs K-series messages are identified by FAD and Message number Position Report Observation Report Fire Support Free Text Combat Service is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Functional AreasFAD 00 Network ControlFAD 01 General Information ExchangeFAD 02 Fire SupportFAD 03 Air OperationsFAD 04 Intelligence Operations/Imagery FAD 05 Land Combat OperationsFAD 06 Maritime OperationsFAD 07 Combat Service SupportFAD 08 Special OperationsFAD 09 Joint Task Force (JTF) Operations ControlFAD 10 Air Defence/Air Space is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFH eaders Link 16 requires header for each Message Header Contains: TS Type Source Address Relay Indicator SDU Number VMF Message header contains: Address originator and recipient Receipt/Compliance Message Format FAD and Message number Free text amplification Security Many more options availableMultiple messages may use a single header increased is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Bearers VMF can operate over a wide range of RF bearers VHFUHFHFMost widely used Combat Net Radios (CNR)Generally low bandwidthMay carry both data and is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFC ommunication Principles VMF systems use Ethernet principles PC1 sends data all others listen and receive PCs only process data addressed to them or to all PC2 listens for a gap net not busy transmits data A unit will only process information addressed to it 12 CSMA Carrier Sensing Multiple is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFMIL-STD-188-220 (CNR) Capabilities Defines.

5 Network Access Control 6 Differing NAD schemes Determine stations eligibility for transmissions Types of Service Different TOS offer a wide variety of options to the user in terms of: Connectivity Speed of Service Speed of Recovery Reliability Automatic Repeat Requests Dependent on TOS, allows missing or corrupt frames to be identified and is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFA ddressing Data Link Addressing Used by CNR radios MIL-STD-188-220 version dependant IP and ip Addressing IP addressing provides NEC IPv6 CNR use described in MIL-STD188-220D Unit Reference Number Operator address Used in conjunction with Message is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF OperationsOrganised into subnetworks (LANs) of up to 12 unitsLANs may be connected together (WAN) using IPNet management function will decide whichmessages are released to the is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF ScenarioCAS NetworkFS NetworkBrigade HQSituational AwarenessNet - UHFVHF 1 VHF is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFD ifferences between VMF and Traditional TDLs Track continuity Each reporting unit allocates unique reference number No Reporting Responsibility All units report observations Track Management No management by Message .

6 No correlation C2 Concept All units considered equal Periodicity No mandated update is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF Interoperability Issues 3 MIL-STDs used Later versions not always backwards compatible Older versions of each standard may be implemented by new platforms Lack of adequate direction to implementers in MIL-STDs Choice of bearers Inability within US to agree on standardised implementations UK attempting to ensure IO Produced national document is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFUS Army - Major TDL for land operationsUsed by most systems at brigade level and belowBradleyBradleyMLRSMLRSP aladinPaladinLongbow ApacheLongbow ApacheVMF UsersMainly VHF BearerAbrams TankAbrams is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF UsersBlue Force TrackerAllows USA/MC to track friendly assetsBFT in TOCBFT in UH-60 SATCOM is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFF-16, A-10, maybe F-15 EJSFTACP CASS - as a Data Forwarder/GatewayVMF UsersUHF BearerUSAF is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFRAF CAS aircraft, FAC, UAV, Typhoon, F-35 British Army WAH-64 Apache Longbow?

7 (MLU 2018) ABH??USN NSFC (AFATDS) F/A-18, EA-6B USMC Land/Air Interface for CAS & FSAH-1, UH-1, V-22 and AV-8 VMF is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFA ustralia JOINTS pain F-18 Possible Future UseItalySwedenNetherlandsNorwayJapanSout h KoreaTaiwanCanadaJSF and Harrier/AV-8 nationsVMF is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFF orward Air Controller (FAC) is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFB asic FAC is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFR eason for VMF That s what the Man has to carry and they want to give him a MIDS terminal to perform CAS!!!!!!!!!!!!! is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFC lose Air Support (CAS) Currently performed by voice in the UK Voice only CAS 15+ minutes for aircraft check-in, 9/15 line, target talk-on and pilot read-back Obvious impact on NEC US Approach is full digitisation Digital and voice mix 45 seconds for aircraft check-in and transmission of 6 x Targets, pilot confirmation/read back and digital clearance to depart is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFUS Approach to CAS designed to achieve End to End Digital communications FAC, C2 & A/C Enhances TST Increased First Kill %, Increased Effectiveness Increased S/A to Aircraft and FAC Shared S/A picture (Friendlies/Enemy/Civ)

8 ZERO LANGUAGE is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFVMF CAS CAPABILITIES Air Strike Request Capability Digital 9 Line brief Own location data to ASOC and FAC Text messaging Status Reports Observed Positions Targeting Indication/Imagery Targeting Comparison/Abort capability is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFEn RouteConnectivity Test FTMAc on Station MessageFor the pilot or flight leader to notify the control agency that he and his flight have arrived at the prescribed control station is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFA ircraft on StationMission of ACCAS AC TypeOS TimeAbort CodeOrdnance TypeOrdnance QuantityRoll Up of Flight Members individual is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFR equest for Attack PosControl RequestStart CriteriaDelta TimeStop CriteriaTimeAircraft Attack Position &Target DesignationMission StatusTarget ID DataOrdnance Release DataTarget AreaMoving Target DataTo provide the FAC with means to schedule, start, and stop CAS aircraft attack position and target designation reporting Message To provide aircraft location, target location.

9 And aircraft system status to the FAC is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFTo provide aircrew all essentialinformation for a close air support mission 9 Line BriefCAS Aircrew BriefingFlt Ld will respond with WILCO/CANTCOWILCO-Flt Ld retransmitsbrief to Flt membersCANTCO-Further dialogue with is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFCAS aircraft departing IPDeparting IPto completeassigned is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFCAS Aircraft FinalAttack ControlUsed to continue or abort missionCAS BDA ReportCAS AC DataCAS AC Weapon StatusPercentage DamagedSecondary ExplosionsRe-Attack DesignationOther messages such as FTM may be usedTo report battle damage assessmentafter the completion of CAS mission Egress info providedin 9 LineRe-attack may be ordered by further is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFS ummary VMF designed for the Land environment Including littoral ops and CAS/FS Message catalogue reflects this Variable Format messages may be transmitted over any bearer Is the most used TDL, and is growing Used by all US Services UK and Australia planning implementation 3 controlling documents MIL-STD-188-220 Bearer Definition MIL-STD-2045-47001 Headers MIL-STD-6017 VMF Message is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFF urther information from are on Stand 311 in the Atrium BallroomCome and see us to discuss your VMF needs is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFFor further information on VMF or on our training coursesSyntheSysSt.

10 Hilda s Business CentreWhitbyNorth YorkshireYO22 4 EUT: +44 (0) 1947 821464F: +44 (0) 1947 603301E: is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFW orking Groups (CNRWG) Combat Network Radio Working Group (CNRWG) MIL-STD-188-220 & 2045-47001 Members - DISA, US Army, AF, MC, Navy Observers UK, Australia Meets 4 times per is VMFI nteroperabilityVMF UsersPractical use of VMFW orking Groups (VMFSG) VMF Sub Group (VMFSG) Sub Group of Configuration Control Board MIL-STD-6017 Members - DISA, JFCOM, US Army, AF, MC, Navy Observers UK, Australia Meets 4 times per year