Link 16 line-of-sight connectivity is limited by which type of signal propagation?

Link 16 line-of-sight connectivity relies primarily on line-of-sight propagation. This means that for effective communication, the transmitting and receiving stations must be able to "see" each other directly without any significant obstacles in between. Line-of-sight propagation is crucial in radio communications, particularly for systems like Link 16, which are designed for tactical and real-time data exchange among military assets.

This type of propagation is characterized by the way radio waves travel in straight lines, which emphasizes the need for antennas to be positioned in a manner that maximizes visibility. If the line of sight is obstructed—by terrain, buildings, or other structures—the effectiveness of the Link 16 communications can be severely compromised, resulting in degraded data transfer or signal loss.

Other types of propagation, such as groundwave or skywave propagation, generally do not apply to Link 16's operational functionality. Groundwave propagation is more relevant for lower frequency communications that travel along the ground, while skywave involves signals that reflect off the ionosphere, making them suitable for longer-range transmissions but typically inappropriate for the precise, low-latency needs of Link 16 systems. Tropospheric scattering, although a method to extend range under certain conditions, is not the primary functioning