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www.synthesys.co.uk
Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Variable Message Format (VMF) International Data Link Society Washington DC 16-18 Oct 2007
SyntheSysSt. Hilda’s Business CentreWhitbyNorth YorkshireYO22 4EUEngland
T: +44 (0) 1947 821464F: +44 (0) 1947 603301E: [email protected]: http://www.synthesys.co.uk
www.synthesys.co.uk
Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Introduction
• Tony Castle
• VMF Training Brief• What it is• What is it used for?• Typical equipment• Interoperability• Who uses it• Practical Use
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF History• Prior to 1984 all US forces committed to Link 16
fixed format messages
• No CAS or ground warfare messages in J series
• US Army and Marine Corps required greater flexibility i.e. Variable Format Messages
• US Army and USMC embark upon Link 16 Variable Format Message project
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF History
• Link 16 too expensive for USA and USMC
• USAF and USN reluctant to adopt VMF
• Huge investment in Link 16
• USA and USMC developed JVMF
• Fragmentation of effort led to incompatible systems
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF History
• 1987 – Pentagon directive more IO
• Aim was to achieve common standard
• 1993 first edition of MIL-STD-188-220
• VMF also part of J-Series Family
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
J-Series Family
• Link 16 – Only true J- Series TDL
• Link 22 – 50% FJ- Series, 50% F-Series
• VMF and IBS no J- Series but share Data Element Directory
Link 16
VMF
Link 22
IBS
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Uses
• VMF is ideally suited to the following:• Fire Support• Close Air Support• Situational Awareness• Manoeuvre• Logistics• Administration
• Both tactical and strategic requirements supported
• Message catalogue expanding
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Characteristics
• VMF system has 3 main elements:
• Bearer
• Message Header
• Message
• Each element is defined in a separate MIL-STD
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Documents• MIL-STD-188-220 Bearer Definition
• Specifies CNR protocols
• MIL-STD-2045-47001 Message Headers• Defines the headers required for message transfer
• MIL-STD-6017 VMF• Message Standard
• No NATO documents
• Variable Message Format Link requirement
• May use VMF
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF System
HOSTTDS
CombatNet
Radio
Modem
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF System
Message Header
Host System/Modem
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Equipment
Improved Data Modem
AH-64Apache Displays
SINCGARS ASIP
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Messages
• Uses K-Series messages
• Detailed in MIL-STD-6017
• Member of the J-Series family
• Message fields are only sent as required
Link 16
VMF
Link 22
IBS
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Example – Link 16• J 3.2 Air track message consists of 225 bits
• Transmitted every 12 secs
• Contains Identity, Position, Heading, Speed, Height, IFF etc.
• If only position and IFF changes whole 225 bits re-transmitted
• Not efficient use of capacity
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Example VMF
• Same Scenario -
Initial Report Identity Position Heading Speed Height
IFF
Update Position
IFF
Greater Efficiency
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
FPI, FRI, GPI, GRI• Field Presence Indicator (FPI) – Indicates the
presence of an optional field
• Field Recurrence Indicator (FRI) – Indicates whether a field will be repeated
• Group Presence Indicator (GPI) – A group of related fields is present
• Group Recurrence Indicator (GRI) – Indicates group recurrence
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Field Presence Indicator
• Simplistic example - 5 x Fields:• Field 1 – Mandatory (M)• Fields 2-5 - optional - Fields 3-4 omitted
Field 1 – Mandatory (M) - no FPI required
FPI=1 - optional field follows (Field 2)
FPI=0 - next optional field will be omitted (Field 3)
FPI=0 - next optional field will be omitted (Field 4)FPI=1 - next optional field follows (Field 5)
Field 1 M
FPI =1
Field 2 OptionalPresent
FPI =0
FPI =0
FPI =1
Field 5 OptionalPresent
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Messages• Comprehensive message
catalogue
• Defined in MIL-STD-6017 VMF
• K-Series messages are sub divided into Functional Area Designators (FAD)
• Not used the same as Link 16 NPGs
• K-series messages are identified by FAD and message number e.g. K02.1
• Position Report
• Observation Report
• Fire Support
• Free Text
• Combat Service Support
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Functional Areas
FAD 00 Network ControlFAD 01 General Information ExchangeFAD 02 Fire SupportFAD 03 Air OperationsFAD 04 Intelligence Operations/Imagery FAD 05 Land Combat OperationsFAD 06 Maritime OperationsFAD 07 Combat Service SupportFAD 08 Special OperationsFAD 09 Joint Task Force (JTF) Operations ControlFAD 10 Air Defence/Air Space Control
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Headers• Link 16 requires
header for each message
• Header Contains:• TS Type• Source Address• Relay Indicator• SDU Number
• VMF Message header contains:• Address – originator and
recipient• Receipt/Compliance • Message Format• FAD and Message number• Free text amplification• Security• Many more options available
Multiple messages may use a single header – increased efficiency
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Bearers
• VMF can operate over a wide range of RF bearers
VHF
UHF
HF
Most widely used – Combat Net Radios (CNR)Generally low bandwidthMay carry both data and voice
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Communication Principles• VMF systems use Ethernet principles
• PC1 sends data – all others listen and receive
• PCs only process data addressed to them or to all
• PC2 listens for a gap – net not busy – transmits data
• A unit will only process information addressed to it
1
2CSMA – Carrier Sensing Multiple Access
1
2
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
MIL-STD-188-220 (CNR) Capabilities
• Defines:• Network Access Control
• 6 Differing NAD schemes• Determine stations eligibility for transmissions
• Types of Service• Different TOS offer a wide variety of options to the user in
terms of:• Connectivity • Speed of Service • Speed of Recovery• Reliability
• Automatic Repeat Requests• Dependent on TOS, allows missing or corrupt frames to
be identified and repeated
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Addressing
• Data Link Addressing –• Used by CNR radios• MIL-STD-188-220 version dependant
• IP and ip Addressing –• IP addressing provides NEC• IPv6 CNR use described in MIL-STD188-220D
• Unit Reference Number –• Operator address• Used in conjunction with message header
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Operations
Organised into subnetworks (LANs) of up to 12 units
LANs may be connected together (WAN) using IP
Net management function will decide whichmessages are released to the WAN
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Scenario
CAS NetworkFS Network
Brigade HQ
Situational AwarenessNet - UHF
VHF 1 VHF 2
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Differences between VMF and Traditional TDLs
• Track continuity – Each reporting unit allocates unique reference number
• No Reporting Responsibility – All units report observations
• Track Management – No management by message, no correlation
• C2 Concept – All units considered equal
• Periodicity – No mandated update periods
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF Interoperability Issues• 3 MIL-STDs used
• Later versions not always backwards compatible• Older versions of each standard may be implemented by new
platforms
• Lack of adequate direction to implementers in MIL-STDs
• Choice of bearers
• Inability within US to agree on standardised implementations
• UK attempting to ensure IO
• Produced national document suite
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
US Army - Major TDL for land operationsUsed by most systems at brigade level and below
BradleyBradleyMLRSMLRS
PaladinPaladinLongbow ApacheLongbow Apache
VMF Users
Mainly VHF BearerAbrams TankAbrams Tank
AFATDSAFATDSFBCB2
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF UsersBlue Force Tracker
Allows USA/MC to track friendly assets
BFT in TOC
BFT in UH-60SATCOM Bearer
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF F-16, A-10,
maybe F-15E
JSF
TACP CASS - as a
Data Forwarder/Gateway
VMF Users
UHF Bearer
USAF
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
RAF – CAS aircraft, FAC, UAV, Typhoon, F-35
British Army WAH-64 Apache Longbow? (MLU 2018) ABH??
USN – NSFC (AFATDS) F/A-18, EA-6B
USMC – Land/Air Interface for CAS & FS
AH-1, UH-1, V-22 and AV-8
VMF Users
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Australia – JOINTSpain F-18Possible Future UseItaly
Sweden
Netherlands
Norway
Japan
South Korea
Taiwan
Canada
JSF and Harrier/AV-8 nations
VMF Users
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Forward Air Controller (FAC)
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Basic FAC EQUIPMENT
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Reason for VMF
• That’s what the Man has to carry and they want to give him a MIDS terminal to perform CAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Close Air Support (CAS)
• Currently performed by voice in the UK• Voice only CAS • 15+ minutes for aircraft check-in, 9/15 line,
target talk-on and pilot read-back
• Obvious impact on NEC
• US Approach is full digitisation• Digital and voice mix • 45 seconds for aircraft check-in and
transmission of 6 x Targets, pilot confirmation/read back and digital clearance to depart IP/CP
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
US Approach to CAS designed to achieve
• End to End Digital communications FAC, C2 & A/C
• Enhances TST
• Increased “First Kill” %, Increased Effectiveness
• Increased S/A to Aircraft and FAC
• Shared S/A picture (Friendlies/Enemy/Civ)
• ZERO LANGUAGE BARRIER
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
VMF CAS CAPABILITIES• Air Strike Request Capability
• Digital “9 Line” brief
• Own location data to ASOC and FAC
• Text messaging
• Status Reports
• Observed Positions
• Targeting Indication/Imagery
• Targeting Comparison/Abort capability
• BDA
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
En Route
Connectivity Test FTM
Ac on Station MessageFor the pilot or flight leader to notify
the control agency that he and his flight have arrived at the prescribed control station
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Aircraft o
n Station
Mission No.C/SNo of ACCAS AC TypeOS TimeAbort CodeOrdnance TypeOrdnance Quantity
Roll Up of Flight Members individual Messages
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Request for A
ttack Pos
Control RequestStart CriteriaDelta TimeStop CriteriaTime
Aircraft A
ttack
Position &
Target Desig
nation
Mission No.CSAC StatusTarget ID No.Target DataOrdnance Release DataTarget AreaMoving Target Data
To provide the FAC with means to schedule, start, and stop CAS aircraft attack position and target designation reporting message
To provide aircraft location, target location, and aircraft system
status to the FAC
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
To provide aircrew all essentialinformation for a close air support mission
9 Line Brief
CAS Aircrew Brie
fing
Flt Ld will respond with WILCO/CANTCO
WILCO-Flt Ld retransmitsbrief to Flt members
CANTCO-Further dialogue with FAC
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
CAS ai
rcraft
depa
rting I
P
Departing IPto complete
assigned mission
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
CAS Aircraft Final
Attack Control
Used to continue or abort mission
CAS BDA Report
CAS AC DataCAS AC Weapon StatusPercentage DamagedSecondary ExplosionsRe-Attack Designation
Other messages such as FTM may be used
To report battle damage assessmentafter the completion of CAS mission
Egress info providedin 9 Line
Re-attack may be ordered by further message
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Summary• VMF designed for the Land environment
• Including littoral ops and CAS/FS
• Message catalogue reflects this
• Variable format messages may be transmitted over any bearer
• Is the most used TDL, and is growing• Used by all US Services
• UK and Australia planning implementation
• 3 controlling documentsMIL-STD-188-220 Bearer Definition MIL-STD-2045-47001 HeadersMIL-STD-6017 VMF Message Set
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Further information from [email protected]
We are on Stand 311 in the Atrium BallroomCome and see us to discuss your
VMF needs further
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
For further information on VMF or on our training courses
SyntheSysSt. Hilda’s Business Centre
WhitbyNorth Yorkshire
YO22 4EU
T: +44 (0) 1947 821464F: +44 (0) 1947 603301
E: [email protected]: http://www.synthesys.co.uk
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Working Groups (CNRWG)• Combat Network Radio Working Group –
(CNRWG)
• MIL-STD-188-220 & 2045-47001
• Members - DISA, US Army, AF, MC, Navy
• Observers – UK, Australia
• Meets 4 times per year
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Introduction
History
What is VMF
Interoperability
VMF Users
Practical use of VMF
Working Groups (VMFSG)• VMF Sub Group (VMFSG)
• Sub Group of Configuration Control Board
• MIL-STD-6017
• Members - DISA, JFCOM, US Army, AF, MC, Navy
• Observers – UK, Australia
• Meets 4 times per year