UNCLASSIFIED. ADF Tactical Data Link Authority Ground Network Capability Assurance Services UNCLASSIFIED

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1 UNCLASSIFIED MilCIS 2013 TDL Stream, Session 2.5a ADF Tactical Data Link Authority Ground Network Capability Assurance Services Mr. Josh Roth Ground Networks Manager Mr. Mark Rattigan Ground Networks Interoperability Analysis Manager UNCLASSIFIED ADFTA Role in Ground Networks The primary role of ADFTA is to ensure correct TDL functionality at the platform level to achieve Joint and Combined TDL interoperability in accordance with Defence Instructions and Policies. ADFTA provides capability assurance services for Ground Networks that are used for Command and Control, execution of Joint Fires, Manoeuvres and ISR. 1

2 ADF Ground Networks The ADF Ground Network domain includes a large range of C4ISR equipment that is used in support of achieving Army operational requirements. GN tactical equipment primarily utilises VMF for message exchange over a variety of bearers that include LAN, CNR and IP Radios (e.g. EPLRS). Capability Support Requirements Development Interoperability Analysis Provision of advice on MIL-STD Implementation/Use Representation in international working groups Test and Evaluation Integration and Experimentation 2

3 Variable Message Format US military standard Used by US services and agencies and coalition/partner nations Catalogue of messages Transfer of bit-oriented digital information Variable length Designed for use in bandwidth constrained networks Media independent ITAR controlled (restricted distribution) ADFTA has release Authority for ADO and Australian Defence Industry. VMF Header Message header usually used in conjunction with VMF MIL-STD (Connectionless Data Transfer Application Layer Standard) Application Layer: Message Identification and Addressing. Transport Layer: Defines Segmentation/Reassembly for large messages or use of IETF Internet Standards for TCP or UDP. Network Layer: Use of IETF Internet Standards for IP. Public distribution (available through the ASSIST Database for Military Specifications and Military Standards 3

4 Combat Net Radio Bearer often used with VMF MIL-STD (Digital Message Transfer Device Subsystems) Physical through Transport Layer Protocol Public distribution (available through the ASSIST Database for Military Specifications and Military Standards Developments in VMF/CNR XNPv2 (exchange Network Parameters v2) OPTASKCNR Rework of Segmentation/Reassembly Future Backward Compatibility 4

5 URN Management Unit Reference Number Globally unique number to identify friendly units/systems within systems implementing VMF (both for message addressing, and unit identification) URN Management requires: Collection of data relating to each friendly unit/system to be identified. Distribution of collated data Challenges: Disparate system implementation of address books Configuration Management Distributing the right data products to the right organisations Sharing data with partner nations US CI Effort Joint Fire Support Coordinated Implementation Change Control Board JFS CI CCB: Decision-making body for JFS Coordinated Implementation US Government (System Program Manager and Acquisition Authority) representatives Program offices planning to implement DACAS and DAFS capabilities agree to implement IAW applicable ECPs. DACAS and DAFS Working Groups Working Groups to interpret joint requirements and develop recommendations to promote interoperability through development of DACAS and DAFS SoS Specifications (ECPs). 5

6 US CI Effort Digitally Aided Close Air Support Working Group Triannual meeting facilitated by US Joint Staff, Joint Fires Division, Joint Close Air Support Section. Development of DACAS SoS Specifications (ECPs). Block 1 baseline capability for DACAS: ECP 1: Baseline Digitally-aided CAS Messaging and RF Network ECP 2: Designated Ground Target (DGT) / Sensor Point of Interest (SPI) ECP 3: Marked Still Imagery ECP 4: Exchange of Network Parameters (XNP) US CI Effort Digitally Aided Close Air Support Working Group Block 2 Approved ECPs ECP 5: Common Operational Tasking and Mission Data Loading ECP 8: Unmanned Aircraft System Integration as a Strike Platform Draft ECPs ECP 6: Joint Tactical Air Strike Request (JTAR) ECP 7: Forward Air Controller (Airborne) Terminal Attack Control (FAC(A) TAC) ECP 9: Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Integration ECP 10: Multiple Targets in a Single 9-Line ECP 11: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Situation Update 6

7 US CI Effort Digitally Aided Fire Support Working Group To this point has been US-only. Expect to be opened to Partner Nations for 14-1 meeting. Aim as per DACAS WG, except for wider joint fires arena. Australian CI Effort Trying to move away from blocking. Previous US approach had been to block implementation and fielding of Military Standard revisions over future years. In practice, has remained fragmented. Australian challenges: Knowledge of US service plans Acquisition lead times Availability of MOTS systems if Australian plan were to diverge from US reality Actual publication timeframes for future MIL-STD revisions Realities of Acquisition projects or sustainment agencies to program future MIL-STD revision upgrades 7

8 Offensive Fires Architecture Development (using MBSE) Why? VMF provides only a message catalogue No rules for processing No rules for transmission Very little description of use No readily available community in which to seek advice. Try to learn from US systems use of VMF, to apply to Australian requirements. Currently numerous pockets of knowledge within the ADF each centred on their piece of the puzzle Limited knowledge on implementation of VMF within FMS procured systems Offensive Fires Architecture Development (using MBSE) Initially aiming to consolidate Offensive Support Doctrine/TTPs and JF system capabilities Future aim to expand beyond joint fires Align VMF Implementation to Doctrine/Operational Requirements (avoid catalogue shopping as Message Names may be misleading) Development of traceable requirements for future systems Identify potential capability gaps with extant systems Development of standardised mission threads to allow a consistent testing regime for Interoperability Testing. 8

9 Composed of Architecture Composed of Built from Performers (Operational Node) Implemented by Joins to and Joins thru System/Component Built from Connected to and Connected Thru Interface Comprised of Performs Needline Implemented by Link Performs Exchanges (carries) carries Operational Information Implemented by Item Decomposed by Decomposed by Inputs/ Outputs/ Triggers Inputs/ Outputs/ Triggers Decomposed by Operational Activity Implemented by Function Decomposed by Operational Architecture Domain System Architecture Domain Test and Evaluation The ADFTA supports the TDL registration process for VMF by providing a number of formal testing services: Conformance To Standard (CTS) testing Verifying the VMF interface of a single platform meets the standard specifications Perform a TDL Compliance Certificate (TCC) assessment Joint Interoperability Testing (JIT) Validating Information Exchange Requirements between ADF platforms Combined Interoperability Testing (CIT) Validating Information Exchange Requirements between coalition platforms 9

10 Utilising Architecture Development to improve testing outcomes ADFTAs primary goal is improve the state of TDL interoperability within the ADF. By creating a master set of Mission Threads utilising Doctrine/Operational Requirements and aligning these to VMF implementations, ADFTA is able to: Provide improved guidance during requirements development Demonstrate traceability from Doctrine and OCD requirements through to Test Threads Improve assurance the Capability Manager has that the system meets the requirements and interoperability issues have been identified. Improve the fidelity of VMF implementation advice that may be implied but not specified within the standards. Significantly reduce the maintenance effort required for Interoperability Testing Integration, Experimentation and Advice ADFTA maintains a GN Laboratory with representative GN equipment including Battle Management Systems, Improved Device Modems and tactical radios It is used to assist TIED stakeholders to identify, characterise and resolve current and potential interoperability issues. Activities include: Monitor and support Project, Vendor and User activities Conduct of Risk Mitigation Experiments and Trials Facilitating trials of new equipment within the GN Specific technical investigations Coordinating activities between different equipment owners and stakeholders 10

11 Challenges ahead This is mostly the first generation of a digitised Ground Network Users are still aligning their needs and expectations with the digital capabilities acquired TTPs need to be adapted Lessons Learned need to be incorporated for the second generation of capability. Maintaining interoperability in an environment where the ADO only has limited control of equipment and standards implemented. Providing increasing support to a growing capability in a resource constrained environment. 11