Bringing Smartphone user experience
to tactical data link users

 

The ability to share tactical data with allied units has become an absolute necessity in modern conflicts, and in coalition operations in particular. However, helicopters, light mission aircraft and special forces units virtually never have access to tactical data links because the systems in service today tend to be too big, too heavy and too expensive.

TopLink-Sandy (Situational Awareness New tactical DisplaY) is an innovative user interface running on a ruggedised tablet to provide functions such as tactical situation maps and messaging.

It is specially designed for the cramped conditions of a light mission aircraft cockpit, helicopter or any other SWaP-constrained environment like a mobile command post or a vehicle used by special forces units. TopLink-Sandy can also be installed on a PC in a UAV ground control station, bringing unmanned aircraft pilots access to the tactical data they need to accomplish their missions safely and effectively.

Designed to meet the day-to-day needs of units in the field, TopLink-Sandy uses a highly intuitive tactical interface with significant operational benefits. On a close air support operation, for example, troops on the ground can use TopLink-Sandy to locate aircraft and send information by simply tapping the screen, instantaneously completing a task that could take several minutes with conventional voice communications over a radio link.

On vessels at sea, TopLink-Sandy provides easy access to a tactical data link capability without having to modify the naval combat system, which can be a long, slow and costly process because these systems are so complex. Another important advantage is that TopLink-Sandy does not need to communicate across the same network as the combat system, so it could be used to transmit sensitive data (NATO restricted, for example) even if the vessel’s other networks do not have the requisite security clearances.

Main Features of TopLink-Sandy

  • Links supported:
    - Link 16 
    - Link 11 
    - Link 22 
    - REAP-C
    - VMF
    - National TDLs such as LU2 or LCALL
  • Situational awareness 
    - Real-time surveillance information
    - Management of areas and reference points
  • Command & Control (C2)
    - Creation of pointers
    - Creation of free-text and 9-line messages
    - Processing and acknowledgement of command orders

 

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