Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Aussie Hercules find missing link

22nd August 2016 - 03:12 GMT | by Mike Yeo in Darwin

RSS

Australia used its first Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules fitted with a Link 16 tactical data link (TDL) during air-land integration missions at Exercise Pitch Black 2016.

The Engility Corporation Joint Range Extension (JRE) TDL two-phase system, with both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight capability, will eventually be fitted to all 12 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130Js.

Link 16 connectivity is the latest upgrade to Australian C-130Js, which also includes improvements to communications, self-defence and payload delivery systems.

The system is unique in that there are five display terminals: one each for the pilots, two for loadmasters in the main

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Mike Yeo

Mike Yeo is a Shephard correspondent based in Australia.

Read full bio

More from Digital Battlespace

Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool

Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems

Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster

The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end

Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella

Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system

MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.