IT technicians study TDL data on a computer terminal (US Naval Network and Space Operations Command) in a June 2004 image
A tactical data link (TDL) uses a data link standard in order to provide communication via radio waves or cable. NATO nations use a variety of TDL standards. All military C3 systems use standardized TDL to transmit, relay and receive tactical data.
Multi-TDL network (MTN) refers to the network of similar and dissimilar TDLs integrated through gateways, translators, and correlators to bring the common tactical picture and/or common operational picture together.
Change of terminology
The term tactical digital information link (TADIL) was made obsolete (per DISA guidance) and is now more commonly seen as tactical data link (TDL).
Tactical data link character
TDLs are characterized by their standard message and transmission formats. This is usually written as <Message Format>/<Transmission Format>.
TDL standards in NATO
In NATO, tactical data link standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Sub-Committee (ISSC) in line with the appropriate STANAG.
In NATO, there exist tactical data link standards as follows:
Synopsis of TDL links
Link No
STANAG
Working Title
Final title / description
Communi- cation
Gene- ration
Comments
1
5501
NATO data link between Air Defence Main Control Centres
Interim Data Link Standard to be replaced by Link 16
SADL
Situational Awareness Data Link
SADL – Situational Awareness Data Link
Broadcast
1st, K-Series 2nd, K/J–Series
Data link adopted from EPLRS to provide A-10s and F-16s data link capability air-to-ground and air-to-air
Beyond NATO countries, NATO partner countries have also developed some degree of interoperability with these standards since the 2014 Partnership Interoperability Initiative.[1]
