Variable Message Format, abbreviated as "VMF" and documented in MIL-STD-6017, is a
communications protocol
A communication protocol is a system of rules that allows two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information via any kind of variation of a physical quantity. The protocol defines the rules, syntax, semantics and synchr ...
used in communicating
tactical military information. A message formatted using VMF can be sent via many communication methods. As it does not define the method, it is not a
Tactical Data Link
A tactical data link (TDL) uses a data link standard in order to provide communication via radio waves or cable used by NATO nations. All military C3 systems use standardized TDL to transmit, relay and receive tactical data.
Multi-TDL network ...
(TDL).
Restriction
The standard is designated distribution class C, meaning that it may only be distributed to federal employees and contractors. Contractors may obtain a copy from their government
POC.
However, the standard for the header is openly available.
Format
The VMF application header is defined by MIL-STD-2045-47001. The VMF message body consists of "K" Series messages.
See also
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MIL-STD-6011
TADIL-A/Link 11 is a secure half-duplex tactical data link used by NATO to exchange digital data. It was originally developed by a joint committee including members from the Canadian Navy, US Navy and Royal Navy to pass accurate targeting inform ...
(TADIL-A)
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Link 4 Link 4 is a non-secure data link used for providing vector commands to USAF and other NATO fighter aircraft. It is a netted, time division link operating in the UHF band at 5,000 bits per second. There are 2 separate "Link 4s": Link 4A and Link 4C. ...
(TADIL-C)
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TADIL-J TADIL-J refers to the system of standardized J-series messages which are known by NATO as Link 16. These are defined by U.S. military standard (MIL-STD) 6016. It is used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast ...
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JTIDS
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Link 1 Link 1 is a computer network standard developed by NATO to provide information exchange for air defence.
General description
Link 1 is a point-to-point, duplex, non-encrypted, digital NATO Tactical Data Link (TDL) Standard for the automatic ...
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Link 11
TADIL-A/Link 11 is a secure half-duplex tactical data link used by NATO to exchange digital data. It was originally developed by a joint committee including members from the Canadian Navy, US Navy and Royal Navy to pass accurate targeting inform ...
- (Link 11B)
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Link 16
Link 16 is a military tactical data link network used by NATO and nations allowed by the MIDS International Program Office (IPO). Its specification is part of the family of Tactical Data Links.
With Link 16, military aircraft as well as ship ...
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Link 22
Link 22 is a secure digital radio link in the HF and UHF bands, primarily used by military forces as a tactical data link.
History
During the late 1980s, NATO, agreeing on the need to improve the performance of Link 11, produced a mission need ...
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MIDS
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ACARS
In aviation, ACARS (; an acronym for Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) is a digital datalink system for transmission of short messages between aircraft and ground stations via airband radio or satellite. The protocol was des ...
External links
MIL-STD-2045/47001C
References
Military communications
Military installations of NATO
NATO
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