Enabling Forward Air Control (FAC) through the Tactical Data Link (TDL) is an essential capability in modern military operations, providing effective Close Air Support (CAS). The modern TDL-based FAC system can enable faster, more reliable, and more secure communication between pilots and ground forces. Moreover, it can enhance decision-making, situational awareness, and tactical planning and reduce the risk of friendly fire. However, implementing a TDL-based FAC is challenging and includes digitising the conventional voice-based CAS-FAC communication systems. This paper shares insights on the ongoing development and experiments with digitising the conventional voice-based FAC process using the Link-ZA TDL specification. The results indicate that this indigenous TDL can enable an effective TDL-based FAC with superior accuracy and shortened latency compared to voice. The study recommends developing TDL-based FAC using protocol gateway systems and digitisation decision considerations.
Reference:
Sebetoa, M.R., Nwanebu, D., Malinga, A.L. & Venter, J.P. 2023. Tactical datalink: Enabling effective coordination between forward air controllers and close air support. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13496 .
Sebetoa, M. R., Nwanebu, D., Malinga, A. L., & Venter, J. P. (2023). Tactical datalink: Enabling effective coordination between forward air controllers and close air support. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13496
Sebetoa, Matlapane R, Docas Nwanebu, Andries L Malinga, and Jacobus P Venter. "Tactical datalink: Enabling effective coordination between forward air controllers and close air support." 9th Military Information and Communication Symposium of South Africa, CSIR ICC, South Africa, 20 - 25 August 2023 (2023): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13496
Sebetoa MR, Nwanebu D, Malinga AL, Venter JP, Tactical datalink: Enabling effective coordination between forward air controllers and close air support; 2023. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13496 .
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