What is the difference between Link16 and MIDS?

[kaoqumba]

Hello everyone!

What is the difference between Link16 and MIDS?What are the differences in their functions?

[_mu110_]

As I understand it, MIDS refers to JTIDS compatible radio equipment sending TADIL-J messages which the aircraft translates into info on a display. Link-16 is used when referring to the entire system as a whole, but I believe NATO has different definitions for these terms.

[Jak525]

Yeah what mu said.

 

Link-16 = the network

MIDS = Multifunction Information Distribution System, the radio the Hornet uses to connect with Link-16

[Rainmaker]

As I understand it, MIDS refers to JTIDS compatible radio equipment sending TADIL-J messages which the aircraft translates into info on a display. Link-16 is used when referring to the entire system as a whole, but I believe NATO has different definitions for these terms.

 

More or less, this is correct. JTIDS was basically a legacy system of Link-16 though, so more or less, the same as MIDS is now in terms of being a system of Link-16. Different terms for different platforms. JTIDS was a common F-15 term, still is in some circles, but now it is technically FDL (Fighter Data Link). Bunch of developers designing different things, that don't talk to each other on their own, and require a "host" to tie them all together. Typical military way of doing business :). SNAFU.

[maxTRX]

More or less, this is correct. JTIDS was basically a legacy system of Link-16 though, so more or less, the same as MIDS is now in terms of being a system of Link-16. Different terms for different platforms. JTIDS was a common F-15 term, still is in some circles, but now it is technically FDL (Fighter Data Link). Bunch of developers designing different things, that don't talk to each other on their own, and require a "host" to tie them all together. Typical military way of doing business :). SNAFU.

 

:thumbup: