Multiple message single timeslot Link 16 relay transmission

A method operable by a receiving terminal of receiving a plurality of Link 16 messages on a single Link 16 channel within a single Link 16 timeslot from multiple transmitters, the method comprising:

• receiving an envelope enhanced throughput (envelope LET) message within which the plurality of Link 16 messages is packaged by the Link 16 terminal according to a packaging protocol that enables the Link 16 messages to be subsequently unpacked from the envelope LET message and restored to their original form prior to presentation to a host;
• unpacking the plurality of Link 16 messages from the envelope LET message;
• restoring the Link 16 messages to their original form;
• and
• presenting the restored, unpacked Link 16 messages to the host.

An apparatus configured for transmitting and receiving a plurality of Link 16 messages on a single Link 16 channel within a single Link 16 timeslot from multiple transmitters, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of transmitters;
• a receiver channel;
• an antenna cooperative with the transmitter and with the receiver channel;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• accept the plurality of Link 16 messages;
• package the plurality of Link 16 messages as a single envelope enhanced throughput (envelope LET) message, said plurality of Link 16 messages being packaged by the Link 16 terminal according to a packaging protocol that enables the Link 16 messages to be subsequently unpacked from the envelope LET message and restored to their original form prior to presentation to a host;
• and
• cause the transmitter to transmit the envelope LET message;
• the controller being further configured to:
• receive from the receiver channel an envelope enhanced throughput (envelope LET) message within which the plurality of Link 16 messages is packaged according to a packaging protocol that enables the Link 16 messages to be subsequently unpacked from the envelope LET message and restored to their original form;
• unpacking the plurality of Link 16 messages from the envelope LET message;
• restore the Link 16 messages to their original form;
• and
• present the restored, unpacked Link 16 messages to the host.