CHAPTER 4
THE LINK-11 SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Tactical data links are usually limited to a specific area of operation and are used
for command and control of specific forces. Link-11 is the U.S. Navy shipboard
version of Tactical Data Information Link-A (TADIL A). The Link-11 system is
used to provide high-speed, computer-to-computer exchange of digital tactical
information among ships, aircraft, and shore installations, as shown in figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1.—Tactica1 digital information links.
Link-11 data communications can operate with either high-frequency (HF) or
ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radios. In the HF band, Link-11 provides gapless
omnidirectional coverage of up to 300 nautical miles from the transmitting site. In
the UHF band, the Link-11 system is capable of line-of-sight omnidirectional
coverage, approximately 25 nautical miles between ships and 150 nautical miles for
ship-to-air links.
To understand the operation of the Link-11 system fully, you must be able to
identify the hardware components that compose it and the functions they perform.
4-1
