Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, a supplier of tactical data link (TDL) software and hardware solutions, has enhanced its industry leading TCG BOSS (Battlefield Operations Support System) TDL testing, simulation, and platform integration solution with support for Variable Message Format (VMF) messages. TCG BOSS can now be configured to test the VMF message format, as defined in MIL-STD-6017, which operates over a wide range of radio frequency channels to support tactical communications using deployed Combat Net Radio (CNR) networks.
Government and military test agency engineers can now use TCG BOSS to verify VMF implementations and ensure that all VMF elements and assets are communicating with each other correctly during every phase of operation. VMF, which can be used standalone or in conjunction with Link 16 and other TDLs, is commonly used with cost-effective radios that support voice communications in air-to-air and air-to-ground applications, on platforms such as the F-35 combat aircraft.
“We are very excited to add VMF support to our tactical data link product line,” said Lynn Bamford, president, Defense and Power. “Now TCG BOSS, long recognized as the ‘gold standard’ for simulating and exercising Link 16 and other TDL implementations, is able to support test agencies worldwide seeking to verify the large number of VMF Combat Net Radio implementations.”