Introduction History Variable Message Format (VMF) … Introduction History What is VMF Interoperability VMF Users Practical use of VMF Variable Message Format (VMF) International

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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


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


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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


VMF System

HOSTTDS

CombatNet

Radio

Modem

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Introduction

History

What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


VMF System

Message Header

Host System/Modem

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Introduction

History

What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


VMF Equipment

Improved Data Modem

AH-64Apache Displays

SINCGARS ASIP

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Introduction

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


Example VMF

• Same Scenario -

Initial Report Identity Position Heading Speed Height

IFF

Update Position

IFF

Greater Efficiency

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Introduction

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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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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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


VMF Scenario

CAS NetworkFS Network

Brigade HQ

Situational AwarenessNet - UHF

VHF 1 VHF 2

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Introduction

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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


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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VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


Forward Air Controller (FAC)

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Introduction

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


Basic FAC EQUIPMENT

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VMF Users


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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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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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VMF Users


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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VMF Users


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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VMF Users


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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VMF Users


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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VMF Users


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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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


CAS ai

rcraft

depa

rting I

P

Departing IPto complete

assigned mission

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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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What is VMF

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VMF Users


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


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


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

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What is VMF

Interoperability

VMF Users


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