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UK Tactical Data Systems
Reference Guide
Introduction
The UK Tactical Data Systems Reference Guide (UKTDSRG) is produced by SyntheSys in support of the UK Integration Authority (IA), now known as the Systems Engineering and Integration Group (SEIG). The document is intended to be an ‘operators’ reference guide, which non-operators may nonetheless find useful. The document deals with both Tactical Data Links (TDLs) and Communication and Information Systems (CIS) which together form Tactical Information Exchange Networked Systems (TIENS). The document concentrates on TDLs, and not Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) (i.e., data transfer mechanisms rather than information needs), but also considers wider Command and Control (C2) structures to show how TDLs contribute to the whole picture. Additionally, it provides an overview of tactical and operational communications and CIS, an important consideration for the future as the distinction between TDLs, digital radios and CIS will become increasingly blurred. In particular, the document is intended to be:
- A data link managers’ guide to the TDL capabilities and limitations of other platforms.
- An introduction to data links for operators with an interest in inter-platform data exchange.
- An overview of data link operations for logistic support and procurement staffs.
The document is intended to be authoritative and comprehensive, but it is not meant to be an all-encompassing compendium of facts and figures on TDL minutia. Neither does it attempt to be a tactics manual or a configuration management tool. Instead, it fits somewhere in-between to serve as a reminder for experienced data link personnel and an introduction to those who need to use the data link product.
The Glossary and Acronyms appendix includes many terms that do not appear in the main body of the document, but which may nevertheless be used by TDL or C2 users. If you cannot find the term you want, try looking for its acronym (e.g., contention access appears under CA). Systems mentioned in the text that have their own separate TDSRG entry are denoted by *, and by *UKCAOC if they have a section under another entry (as in this example, within the TDSRG entry for UK CAOC).
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