• New HUNTR™ software application lets JTACs and TACPs easily create a Multi-Tactical Datalink Network that supports Link 16, VMF, Cursor-On-Target (CoT), JREAP, SADL, and CESMO data exchanges between ground forces, aircraft, ships, and C2 elements

ASHBURN, Va. – September 9, 2019 –Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, a trusted leading supplier of Tactical Data Link (TDL) software and hardware solutions, announced today that its Tactical Communications Group (TCG) business has introduced HUNTR (TDL Hub and Network Translator), a new intelligent TDL translation gateway for Link 16, Variable Message Format (VMF), Cursor-On-Target (CoT), Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP), Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), and Cooperative ESM Operations (CESMO). Today, moving data between similar and dissimilar data links is a daunting task that can prove an obstacle to mission success. HUNTR is a breakthrough software application that significantly improves and simplifies the real-time translation and routing of TDLs. It provides warfighters and command and control centers with real-time access to accurate operational data in the field. 

HUNTR supports the automatic routing, forwarding, and translation of J-Series, K-Series, CoT, and CESMO messages and automates processing and translation of multiple, simultaneous Digitally-Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) missions between ground JTAC kits equipped with VMF or CoT radios and air/land/sea Link 16 assets. Designed to run on any Microsoft Windows 10 supported platform, HUNTR delivers instant integration and interoperability for multiple heterogeneous TDLs. The HUNTR software is ideal for use in air, ground, sea, base stations, mobile land platforms, and command and control center applications.

“With the introduction of our new HUNTR Tactical Data Link Translation Gateway software solution, Curtis-Wright further strengthens our leadership position in the TDL community,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense and Power. “HUNTR uniquely enables JTACs and TACPs to create a Multi-Tactical Datalink Network that supports SADL, Link 16, Cursor on Target, and VMF Combat Net Radio (CNR) data exchanges between ground forces, aircraft, ships, and C2 elements.”

Reliable Battlefield Communications

In the field, the warfighter needs a reliable, intuitive way to access information from a variety of data links. HUNTR’s operator-focused GUI is designed for ease of use and simplicity. Designed from the ground up to simplify the complex process of coordinating and managing the multiple data links used by in-field resources and command and control centers during missions, HUNTR provides unmatched interface and standards support. It supports touchscreen or keyboard-and-mouse operation and features a “green-good, red-bad” operator feedback scheme for rapid identification of terminal/radio operational status, routing errors, or areas in need of attention. Thanks to its intuitive, simple-to-use interface, HUNTR enables access to and configuration of multiple similar and dissimilar data links with little or no training. The GUI clearly indicates connectivity, information flow, and filtering of traffic, and enables operators to quickly and dynamically add or remove data links, and manage data flow between the links. HUNTR’s intelligent filtering simplifies the control of data flow when the sending and receiving links have disparities in information capacity, or where operator “information overload” is a concern. Additionally, the software automatically converts VMF 9-lines into multiple Link 16 messages and automatically updates and maintains Link 16 PPLI and Surveillance tracks and Command and Control (C2) messages. 

HUNTR supports the following data link protocols and associated terminals/radios:

LINK 16

  • J message MIL-STD-6016 C, D, E, F
  • MIL-STD-6020 Data Forwarding
  • JREAP MIL-STD-3011 Revisions A, B, C

VMF

  • K message MIL-STD-6017 A, B
  • MIL-STD-2045-47001 B, C, D CN1
  • MIL-STD-188-220 C, D CN1
  • ECP-1, ECP-2, ECP-11
  • UDP over IP and IP waveforms
  • Automatic multi-stack management

CURSOR ON TARGET (COT)

  • CoT v2.0 schema including platform-specific enhancements
  • UDP Multicast, Unicast, and Smartphone CoT Server mode (multi-unicast)
  • Any radio, tablet, or smartphone that supports IP transmission/reception of CoT messages

CESMO (COOPERATIVE ESM OPERATIONS)

  • CESMO AEDP-13 A1 and B1
  • CESMO X1
  • UDP over IP and IP waveforms
  • MIL-STD-188-220 C, D CN1