News

Data Link Solutions (DLS) awarded a $20 million contract to deliver MIDS-LVTs to U.S. and coalition forces

29 Mar. 2010

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, has been awarded a $20 million contract from the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to provide Link-16 terminals to U.S. and coalition forces. These Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs) provide real-time data communications, situational awareness, navigation and — in some cases – digital voice, all in a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package.

This award includes radios for U.S. platforms — such as the MH-60R, MH-60S and F/A-18 — and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, including Finland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan.

“This contract broadens DLS’s international base and allows our International Partners for Peace access to all the MIDS family of products and ancillary equipment,” said DLS Director Steve Overbeck.

This award also includes additional MIDS-LVT(2/11) terminals for U.S. applications and customers, including the U.S. Army, Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN), and Joint Forces Command. The MIDS-LVT(2/11) is specifically designed for U.S. Army Patriot Information Coordination Central and Battery Command Posts and Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control Units.

Work will be performed in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by December 2011. The MIDS program is managed by the MIDS Program Office in San Diego.

“DLS is committed to providing warfighters protected access to the time-critical information they need to efficiently complete their missions,” said Overbeck. “DLS is the only company that today provides all MIDS terminal configurations within a complete Link-16 system.”

About Data Link Solutions

DLS was established in 1996 by two of the world leaders in military communications, Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, to pursue next-generation Link 16 and advanced data link applications. DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms. The company has a heritage of more than 30 years of Link 16 design and production experience, with more than 10,000 Link 16 systems delivered worldwide to more than 45 nations.

This press release contains statements (including certain projections associated with DLS providing Link-16 terminals to the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command) that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities

Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to U.S. government spending and budgetary policies; potential cancellation or amendments of awards or orders by the U.S. Navy; challenges in the design, development and production of advanced technologies; and competitive product and pricing pressures; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the Collins Aerospace or BAE Systems Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof.