NILE PMO

Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017

Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

NATO Improved Link

Eleven (NILE)
Link 22 Introduction
and Project Update
IDLS 2017

LT Alex Koschig – DEU Rep NILE PMO

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release,

distribution is unlimited,
SR-2017-300 (12 Sep 2017), SR-2017-326 (17 Oct 2017). Slide 1
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Agenda
1. NILE Project Background
2. Recent Accomplishments
3. Link 22: System Overview
4. Replacing Link 11
a. removing limitations of Link 11
5. Complementing Link 16
a. benefits provided in a multi-link environment
6. LLC 7M Description
7. Link 22 Status Update
8. Joining L22 Community / Acquiring Link 22 Devices

Slide 2
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

NILE Project Background

1. The need to define a new tactical data link to improve
the performance of link 11 was originated from a NATO
Staff Requirement Reference D/02 Rev 1
2. NATO defined a new tactical message standard in
STANAG 5522
3. Seven nations collaboratively designed and developed a
System Network Controller to manage the mentioned
NATO tactical message standard, under a specific
Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU):

CAN FRA DEU ITA ESP UK USA

Slide 3
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

NILE Project Background

4. MOU main focus
a. Develop and sustain Link 22
5. NILE Nations currently conducting In Service
Support under MOU Amd 4 (Jan 14 – Jan 20)
a. MOU Amd 5 discussion in progress
6. United States of America is the host nation
7. NILE Nation representatives form the NILE Steering
Committee that governs the direction and future
growth and distribution of Link 22

Slide 4
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

NILE PMO Organization Chart

Project Manager
Mr. Chuck Schwartz

Project Support
ESP Rep & DPM Mr. Chris Bengs
CDR Juan Jose Nieto Dr. Kevin Buck
Ms. Annie Hashas

CAN Rep DEU Rep FRA Rep ITA Rep UK Rep

LCDR Omar Masood LT Alexander Koschig LCDR Gautier Lanciaux CDR Filippo Gandini Mr. Stephen Nye

Slide 5
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Accomplishments
1. LLC 7M v 1.1 development completed Oct 2017
a. NSA delta certification completed 27 Sep 2017
b. SECAN certification to follow
2. LLC 7M Production Contract with Raytheon
a. Training materials finalized in Aug 2017
b. Preparing for delivery of 200 units (initial deliveries in Dec 2017)
c. Utilized SDAF to reduce pricing and begin early production of units
3. FIN, AUS, NLD, CAN & DEU have active FMS cases
a. 5 more nations are progressing towards FMS cases
4. BCR 8 completed Aug 2017
a. Includes ER & HC HF FF Waveforms
5. MLST3 / SNC 10.X compatibility
a. Link 22 updates complete and included in MLST3 v19.04
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: SR-2017-326 (17 Oct 2017) Slide 6
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview
1. Link 22 provides Beyond Line of Sight
tactical interoperability between air,
surface, subsurface, and ground-based
tactical data systems.
2. Link 22 is a joint capability and can be
used by landlocked countries as well
as maritime countries
3. Link 22 was specifically designed to
address the shortcomings of Link 11
4. Link 22 complements Link 16 and will
replace Link 11

Slide 7
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

System Overview
LINK 22
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE)

SPC Radio

LLC SPC Radio

TDS/DLP SNC
7M
SPC Radio

SPC Radio

TOD

National Joint US National

Responsibility Development Development Responsibility

TDS: Tactical Data System DLP: Data Link Processor

SNC: System Network Controller LLC: Link Level COMSEC
SPC: Signal Processing Controller TOD: Time Of Day
Slide 8
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

System Overview
LINK 22 National DLP
Vendors
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE)
CAN IBM Canada

DEU Atlas Elektronik

ESP Tecnobit
TDS/DLP FRA Thales DCNS

ITA Leonardo

UK IBM UK–BAES

US Northrop
Grumman

The TDS/DLP is a national responsibility. The DLP can also have interfaces with Link 16
(and other TDL) and forward messages between the two networks.
Slide 9
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

System Overview
LINK 22 Interface Documents
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE) DLP-SNC IDD

LLC IRS
(both sides of LLC)

SNC SPC Segment

Specification

The NILE Block Cycle Release (BCR) consists of the System Network Controller (SNC),
all associated documentation and the NILE Reference System test tool. These
components are scheduled for update every two years.
These components are the subject of the NILE MOU. Slide 10
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

System Overview
LINK 22 LLC 7M
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE) Signed production
contract with an
order for the first
200 units in
progress
LLC
7M

The LLC 7M COMSEC device is developed by the United States and is available to
foreign nations via an approved FMS case
Slide 11
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

System Overview SPC Vendors

DRS
Telefunken RACOMS
LINK 22
Radio Vendors
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE)
HF FF
SPC Radio Harris, Thales, R&S,
Hagenuk, Rockwell C,
Leonardo
SPC Radio
HF EPM
SPC Radio -Not Implemented

UHF FF
SPC Radio Leonardo, Harris,
Thales, R&S, Rockwell C
TOD
UHF EPM
Thales, R&S

The Signal Processing Controller (Modem) and Radio can be purchased from a qualified
vendor. Telefunken and DRS are the only two known SPC vendors. Link 11 radios can
be re-used. There are several radio manufacturers to choose from.
Slide 12
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview:
Replacing Link 11

Slide 13
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Roll Call Transmission allocation. Uses TDMA which provides deterministic
access to the network.

Slide 14
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Roll Call Transmission allocation. Uses TDMA which provides deterministic
The loss of the Net Control Station will cause access to the network.
the network to collapse Does not use a Net Control Station. Designed
with no single point of failure

Slide 15
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Roll Call Transmission allocation. Uses TDMA which provides deterministic
The loss of the Net Control Station will cause access to the network.
the network to collapse. Does not use a Net Control Station. Designed
with no single point of failure.

Slide 16
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Roll Call Transmission allocation. Uses TDMA which provides deterministic
The loss of the Net Control Station will cause access to the network.
the network to collapse. Does not use a Net Control Station. Designed
with no single point of failure.

Standby
Super Network SNMU
(Only One) SNMU

NILE Networks Standby

NMU
NMU Standby
Standby
(One for Each Network) NMU NMU
Standby
NMU
NMU NMU
NMU

NetworkMembers
Network Members
Network Members
No Role
Network
NoMembers
Role
No Role
No Role

Slide 17
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Roll Call Transmission allocation. Uses TDMA which provides deterministic
Increased net cycle times due to increasing access to the network.
number of Participating Units and tracks. Creating different Networks to be combined in
Large Access Delay a Super Network, keeps a low Access Delay

Slide 18
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Limited number of participants (62) More units can join the SuperNetwork
- Up to 8 Networks (any Media types)
- A single NU can be part of 4 Networks
- Up to 125 Units

Slide 19
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
No way to transmit urgent information Prioritization of messages ensures High
Priority messages taking precedence over
Lower Priority messages.
Priority Injection timeslots in the TDMA
structure can be used to minimize the delay in
the transmission of urgent information.

Slide 20
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
All units have to be in RF connectivity with the The use of routing & relay protocols greatly
Net Control Station (again limits the area of increases the playing area, even when using
Operation) line-of-sight UHF

Slide 21
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
All units have to be in RF connectivity with the The use of routing & relay protocols greatly
Net Control Station (again limits the area of increases the playing area, even when using
Operation) line-of-sight UHF

Slide 22
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Outdated cyber security posture Improved cyber security posture with
additional features such as time based
encryption

Reproduced with
permission from
Raytheon Company

Slide 23
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
A single HF or UHF fixed frequency network is A single HF or UHF fixed frequency network
subject to jamming can still be jammed, however, Link 22 displays
improved resistance to jamming through the
use of multiple networks and the option to
use frequency hopping media

Slide 24
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
M-Series messages difficult to translate Link 22 is part of the J-Series family of
making data forwarding between links messages, uses the same data dictionary as
complex Link 16 and so makes translation and
forwarding relatively easy compared to Link 11

The goal of the message standard for Link 22

was to use as much of the Link 16 message
standard, as possible

Slide 25
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
M-Series messages difficult to translate Link 22 is part of the J-Series family of
making data forwarding between links messages, uses the same data dictionary as
complex Link 16 and so makes translation and
forwarding relatively easy compared to Link 11

Slide 26
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
The accuracy of Link 11’s M-Series messages is Data items are designed with improved ranges
inadequate for modern targeting and granularity

The J-family allows the reporting of

significantly more tactical information than
M-Series messages.

Some of the field sizes have been increased

to allow an improved degree of precision.

Slide 27
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Available waveforms limit communications A variety of more robust waveforms. In bad
under bad RF conditions (as occur in polar conditions strong coding can be used to
regions) maintain communication at the expense of
throughput

Slide 28
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview: Replacing Link 11

Link 11 Link 22
Limited Bandwidth (1,800 bps for fast and Range of bandwidths available depending on
1,090 bps for slow) coding and media for example fixed
frequency:
HF 1,493 - 9,600 bps
UHF 12,666 bps

Slide 29
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Overview:
Complementing Link 16

Slide 30
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 complements Link 16

1. Link 22 is designed to replace Link 11 and to complement
Link 16, by providing:
a. Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) capability (greater than 1000 NM)
b. Multiple Networks to be combined into a wider Super Network
c. Automatic Relay
d. Data forwarding between Link 16
and Link 22

2. The combination of these capabilities provides a long

range extended COP (self sustained)
a. No satellites required
b. No airborne relay platforms (e.g. AWACS) required Slide 31
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 complements Link 16

Data Forwarding L16-L22
J-series of messages (L16)
J-Family of messages
F-series of messages (L22)

J-Family
F-series
1. Unique F-Series tact msg F & FJ

J-series
2. FJ tact messages

Slide 32
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

L22

DLP DLP
L16 L16

“FJ” tactical messages:

encapsulation of a Link 16 (J- FJ3.6 L22
Series) message inside a F-Series
message DLP DLP
FJ3.6 Space Track 01 L16 L16 J3.6
Slide 33
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

L22

DLP DLP
L16 L16 01 J3.6
J3.6 TM (L16) has been
forwarded without any
satellite or airborne
platform relay

“FJ” tactical messages:

encapsulation of a Link 16 (J- FJ3.6 L22
Series) message inside a F-Series
message DLP DLP
FJ3.6 Space Track 01 J3.6 L16 L16 J3.6
Slide 34
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Description

Slide 35
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Description
LINK 22
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE)

LLC
7M

The LLC 7M COMSEC device is developed by the United States and is available to
foreign nations via an approved FMS case
Slide 36
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Description
1. LINK-22 Modernized Link Level
COMSEC
2. Field-upgradable Suite B COMSEC for
Link 22
3. Single encryption/decryption channel
a. Up to four (4) independent serial ports
b. Certified by NSA up to SECRET
c. SECAN Certification received in Feb 2017

Slide 37
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Description
4. Advanced Key Management
Processor (KMP)
a. Supports current key distribution as well as the
Electronic Key Management System (EKMS)
b. Fill interface compatibility tested with AN/CYZ-10
Data Transfer Device (DTD), Simple Key Loader
(SKL), DTD 2000 System (KIK-20) or CSDS (SIK-
20)

Slide 38
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Description
5. Upgradeable Software and Firmware
a. Remote upgrade via NSA-approved authenticated packages
6. Small form factor – ½ Long Air Transport Rack
(ATR)
7. Extensive Built-In Test
a. Alarm checks, internal interface testing, self-tests
8. Designed to operate in either airborne or ship/shore
environments
a. Predicted MTBF (airborne) = 16,000 – 41,000 hours
b. Predicted MTBF (ship/shore) = 85,000 – 183,000 hours

Slide 39
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Architecture

SNC: System Network Controller

SPC: Signal Processing Controller
Slide 40
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LLC 7M Maintenance
1. 1 year warranty included, extended
warranties available
2. FFP (Firm Fixed Prices) agreed for extended
warranties, simple & complex repairs and
spares
3. Units requiring repairs will be conducted at
production contractor facility

Slide 41
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Guidebook • Chapter 2 - Link 22 Operations

1. Chapter 1 - Link 22 Overview – Section A – Overview
a. Section A – Introduction – Section B – Planning
b. Section B – Features – Section C – Link 22 Operations
c. Section C – Benefits – Section D – Tactical Messages
d. Section D – Acquisition – Section E – Link 22 in a Multilink
Environment

Link
Guid 22
eboo
• Chapter 3 - Link 22 Technical k
– Section A – Architecture • Appendices
– Appendix A – Integration and
– Section B – External Protocols
Test Tools
– Section C – Internal Protocols
– Appendix B – Troubleshooting
– Appendix C – Minimum DLP-SNC
Three Versions: Interface Implementation
• Overview – Appendix D – Initialization Parameter
– Chapter 1 Generation
– Appendix A; E-G
• Overview and Operations – Appendix E – Acronyms and
– Chapter 1 and 2 Abbreviations
– Appendix A-B; E-G and Index – Appendix F – Glossary
• Complete Version
– Appendix G – References
Slide 42
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Link 22 Status Update

Slide 43
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Slide 44
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Joining L22 Community/Acquiring

Link 22 Devices

Slide 45
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Acquiring Link 22
LINK 22
NILE Communication Equipment (NCE)

LLC
SNC
7M

Slide 46
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Joining L22 Community / Acquiring

L22 Devices (SNC & LLC 7M)
1. NILE Communications and Interoperability Working
Group (C&IWG) members
a. Can attend technical meetings (twice per year);
main topics:
i. 3rd Party Sales (3PS)/FMS
ii. LLC 7M Maintenance
iii. Training
iv. SNC Enhancements
v. Demos
vi. Testing, Fielding & Implementation
vii. STANAG update
viii. How to establish an FMS Case for acquiring SNC and LLC 7M
2. NILE 3PS members
a. Established FMS Case grants access to additional Link 22 Program
information

Slide 47
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Joining L22 Community / Acquiring

L22 Devices (SNC & LLC 7M)
1. NILE Nations
a. CAN, DEU, ESP, FRA, ITA, UK, USA
2. C&IWG members
a. AUS, BEL, CHL, DNK, FIN, GRC, JPN, MEX (pending),
NLD, NOR, NZL, POL, PRT, ROK, SAU, SWE, TUR,
TWN (pending), UAE
b. NAGSMA, NATO BMD PO&S, NCIA
3. 3PS
a. CAN sponsors CHL (pending), POL (pending)
b. DEU sponsors ROK, SWE, TUR, BEL (pending),
NAGSMA (pending), UAE (pending)
c. ESP sponsors MEX (pending)
d. ITA sponsors FIN
e. UK sponsors AUS
f. USA sponsors NLD

Slide 48
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Joining L22 Community / Acquiring

L22 Devices (SNC & LLC 7M)
1. How can a nation become a NILE C&IWG member ?
a. Send a letter of request to the NILE PMO
b. Does not require any payment

2. How can a nation become a NILE 3PS member ?

a. Through a sponsoring NILE Nation

Slide 49
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

LINK 22 Participants

= NILE Nations

= 3PS Nations
NILE Nations: CAN, DEU, ESP, FRA, ITA, UK, USA
= L22 C&IWG Nations/ 3PS Nations: AUS, FIN, NLD, ROK, SWE, TUR
Orgs LINK 22 C&IWG Nations/Organizations: BEL, CHL, DNK, GRC, JPN,
= Interested L22 Nations NAGSMA, NATO BMD PO&S, NCIA, NOR, NZL, POL ,PRT, SAU, UAE
Interested LINK 22 Nations: MEX, Slide 50
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

For further information contact:

Project Manager NILE PMO
Mr. Charles Schwartz
[email protected]

Point of Contact for 3rd Party Sales

LT Alex Koschig or LCDR Omar Masood
[email protected] [email protected]

Point of Contact for NILE Administration

Mr. Christopher Bengs, NILE Secretary NILE PMO
[email protected] PEO C4I PMW 150
4301 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92110-3127
United States of America Slide 51
 NILE PMO
Link 22 Intro and Update IDLS 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE
30 Oct – 2 Nov 2017

Slide 52