Application Traffic Injection into Live Virtual Constructive Link-16 Models

Current Link-16 simulators lack the ability to accurately model standards-compliant Link-16 application traffic, making it difficult to understand the end-end performance of mission command applications, such as Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) and Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), executing on Link-16 networks. This proposal aims to significantly enhance Link-16 simulation and emulation models to develop an LVC capability for the analysis of Link-16 networks and applications under realistic operational conditions. We propose to develop a Joint Range Extension Application Protocol-C compatible application layer model, a Link-16 emulation model which is compatible and inter-operable with Network Enabled Weapon Controller Interface Module, and external interfaces to inject standards-compliant application traffic into a constructive Link-16 simulation. We also propose extending the LVC capability to support the SIMPLE-J and the SISO-STD-002 TADIL TALES protocols. This will result in a simulation-in-the-loop capability for Link-16 applications where virtual (or real) Link-16 applications can inject their traffic into constructive models, which can be employed to optimize the use of available Link-16 assets to support mission-critical communications and thus assure the mission.