Variable Message Format - VMF
Key words and phrases: variable message format, VMF, message standard, MIL-STD 6017, tactical communication systems, link 16, link 22, cmf, tactical data exchange, US Army, NATO, information exchange requirements
Variable Message Format (VMF) is NOT a Tactical Data Link; rather it is the title given to the “K” Series Message Standard found in MIL-STD 6017 (formerly known as VMF TIDP). VMF is media-independent and can operate over any digital-capable Radio Frequency (RF) broadcast or point-to-point system.
VMF messages provide a common means of exchanging digital data across any interface between combat units at various organizational levels with varying needs for volume and detail of information and are applicable to a broad range of tactical communications systems.
VMF usage in CAS Environment
VMF is a bit-oriented (ie not man-readable) digital information standard consisting of variable length messages that provide the user with the flexibility to send only the required information through the use of presence / repeatable fields; this is particularly significant when operating in bandwidth-constrained environments.
As defined in the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence Joint Tactical Data Link Management Plan (TDLMP June 2000), VMF is a member of the J-Series family of message formats, along with Link 16, Link 22, and the Common Message Format (CMF); VMF uses the same core common Data Element Dictionary used by Link 16, Link 22 and CMF.
The VMF message standard forms, or will form, the backbone of tactical data exchange requirements for the US Army, in addition to many future NATO and coalition forces, predominantly in the ground environment.
VMF messages are capable of satisfying Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) in Functional Areas such as Network Control, General Information Exchange, Fire Support, Air, Special, Intelligence, Land Combat and Maritime Operations, Combat Service Support, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operations, and Air Defence / Air Space Control.
Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions growth within the VMF arena includes:
- Delivery of foundation-level training courses.
- Incorporating MIL-STD 6017 into the eSMART suite of tools. This allows the company to conduct Interoperability Assessments / Evaluations against documented implementations and provide customers with analysis of communications solutions tailored to their requirements.
- Drafting Joint Close Air Support Roadmap for the UK.
Data Link descriptions: Tactical Data Links | Link 16 | Link 11 | Link 22 | IJMS | Link 1 | Link 14 | Link 4 | Other protocols | CDL, TCDL & HIDL | Satellite Link 16 | Variable Message Format - VMF
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