Tactical Data Link Implementation for Sweden's ASC 890 Aircraft

Client: Swedish Defence Materiel Administration

Platform: Saab 340-based ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) Aircraft

The ASC 890 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) platform is a vital part of Sweden's airspace surveillance and tactical command capabilities. Since 2013, SyntheSys Defence Systems (SDS) has provided support to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in the implementation of Link 16 and Tactical Data Link (TDL) interoperability for ASC 890.

Scope of Work

Phase 1: Requirements and Design

• Development and review of Platform Requirements Specification (PRS) and Data Link Processor (DLP) design in the System Process for Interoperability Requirements and Implementation Testing (SPIRIT) toolset
• Traceability and validation of requirements in accordance with US Military Standard (MIL-STD)-6016D, using SPIRIT's requirements management environment
• Integration of actual platform message implementations down to J-series word level for consistent data link design

Phase 2: Test Preparation and Risk Reduction

• Derisking test between ASC 890 and UK E-3D Sentry to provide justification for active participation in the Partner Tactical Data Link Interoperability Test (PTDLIOT), as part of the NATO Tactical Data Link Capability Team Interoperability Test Syndicate (TDL CaT ITS)
• Configuration planning, test case authoring, and Combined Federated Battle Laboratory Network (CFBLNet) accreditation via the Joint Multi-National Interoperability Assurance Network (JMNIAN)
• Direct liaison with Royal Air Force (RAF), UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), NATO and Swedish stakeholders to establish secure, accredited data link paths

Phase 3: Test Execution and NATO Participation

• Submission of ASC 890 participation case to the TDL CaT ITS
• Facilitation with stakeholders and submission of ASC 890 objectives to the TDL CaT ITS
• Full support during Link 16 test communications and formal execution phases
• Active participation in PTDLIOT 14-02 (WHITESIDE), with SDS as Platform Test Director
• Collection and analysis of Provisional Interoperability Issues (PIOI)

Phase 4: Post-Test Analysis and Support

• Production of Data Extraction Reduction Guide (DERG)-compliant test logs and final reports
• Platform integration analysis, message-level validation, and detailed documentation of configuration
• Delivery of formal platform support briefings to TDL CaT ITS planning and analysis sessions
• Recommendation of system changes and updates to Link 16 message structures and implementation

Challenges

Integrating a new platform into the distributed test environment: With more than 30 platforms under test, this was a complex task requiring rigorous systems engineering processes and a dedicated systems integration activity. SDS managed this process from end to end, ensuring successful participation.

Outcomes

• Accelerated Interoperability Readiness: Achieved full active participation in PTDLIOT on first engagement - unprecedented under normal syndicate rules
• Validated TDL Configuration: Test evidence showed no disruption to NATO test network
• Enhanced Readiness: Enabled Sweden to realise operational testing benefits immediately - saving time and resources
• Detailed Platform Insights: Identified specific message-level discrepancies and guided design changes to the ASC 890 Link 16 configuration
• Comprehensive Lifecycle Support: From PRS definition through to post-event analysis and lessons learned

Impact

The ASC 890 case highlights SDS's ability to deliver complex interoperability solutions from concept to in-service use. Leveraging the SPIRIT toolset, extensive NATO experience, and a deep understanding of TDL protocols, SDS played a pivotal role in integrating Sweden's AEW&C capability into the broader NATO tactical network. This collaboration not only strengthened Sweden's air defence posture but also positioned the ASC 890 as a proven and fully compliant NATO Link 16 node.