Radioflash! Episode 21: I Link Therefore I Am

A new film documentary is in development that reveals the fascinating history of tactical datalinks and the impact they have had on military operations around the world.

Tactical Datalinks (TDLs) help reduce the Clausewitzian ‘fog of war’ by improving situational awareness. TDLs have been around in some shape or form since the Second World War. It was during that conflict that the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) pioneered the technology via its Bernhard/Bernhardine system. This early TDL let fighter crews receive basic written data on the location of their targets. Information was sent in written form across a surface-to-air radio link and printed on paper tape in the fighter cockpit. Following that conflict, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) spearheaded further TDL development. This effort resulted in Link-11/22 and Link-16. The latter primarily supports air operations by sharing track and tactical information while Link-11/22 does much the same for the maritime domain. Today, scores of TDLs are in service around the world. A new film documentary called Timber Sweet is in the offing which tells the fascinating story of the tactical datalink’s development, and the impact TDLs have had on warfare. The initiative is the brainchild of TDL expert and filmmaker Sean Bergesen. Mr. Bergesen is the guest on Episode 21 of Radioflash! More information about the film can be found here.