After completing this chapter you should be able to:
Describe the composition of a typical Link-11 system.
Describe the operation of the Link-11 transmission and receive cycles.
Describe the six operating modes of the Link-11 system.
Describe the function of the Link-11 encryption (security) device.
Describe the audio tones generated by the Link-11 Data Terminal Set.
Describe the word formats used to transmit Link-11 tactical data.
Describe the message formats used in the various Link-11 operating
modes.
Describe the Operation of the Link-11 Data Terminal Set.
LINK-11 FUNDAMENTALS
antenna coupler, and an antenna. The data terminal
set is the center of the Link-11 system and is covered
To monitor the operation of and perform
in detail later in this chapter. The communications
maintenance on the Link-11 system, you must
switchboard is used to select the desired HF or UHF
understand how the different pieces of equipment
transceiver. An external frequency standard is also
interact with each other. Let’s take a look at a basic
part of many Link-11 systems. Additionally, the
Link-11 system.
Shipboard Gridlock System (SGS) is installed on
many ships. On SGS-equipped ships, an AN/UYK-20
LINK-11 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
is placed in the line between the CDS computer and
the crypto device.
A typical shipboard Link-11 communications
system (figure 4-2) and consists of the following
CDS Computer
c o m p o n e n t s : t h e C D S d i g i t a l c o m p u t e r , a
cryptographic device, the Link-11 data terminal set,
The central processor of the Combat Direction
the communications switchboard, and the HF or UHF
System is the CDS computer. Keeping a data base of
radio set transceivers (transmitter-receiver), an
tracks is among the many functions of the operational
Figure 4-2.—The Link-11 communications system.
4 -2
