Modeling and Simulation of Link 16 Message Distribution in Operational Applications

Data link is an information system conforming to specified message formats and communication protocols that links combat units such as sensors, weapons, and command and control (C2) platforms. It could automatically share formatted tactical data, for instance, battlefield situation, command and guidance, tactical coordination and weapon control instructions among combat participants in real time. As a typical data link, Link 16 has been the major means of information dissemination in joint tactical operations of the US military, and has played an important role in all previous wars over the past decades. Link 16 is capable of achieving interoperability and realizing various tactical functions for all combat participants based on unified information distribution and processing mechanisms. This paper investigates message exchanging procedure and applies discrete event system specification (DEVS) method in modeling and simulation (M&S) of information distribution in air interception operations. The experimental results show that the method can be widely applied to modeling information distribution with good scalability. It is able to provide technical reference for subsequent information processing optimization.