News
Data Link Solutions MIDS-LVT 2/11 Terminal to Provide U.S. Army Real-time Situational Awareness
30 Mar. 2010
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture of Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, has successfully delivered its first Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminal (2) (MIDS-LVT(2)) to the U.S. Army's Tactical Radio Communications Systems office. The delivery follows successful completion of formal U.S. Government witnessed qualification testing and certification of the cryptographic design by the National Security Administration (NSA).
The MIDS-LVT(2) is a completely self-contained mobile system that provides the critical ground link for simultaneous coordination of air, land and maritime forces for situational awareness or command and control from a ground fixed site or mobile application. The terminal offers full Link-16 interoperability with joint U.S. and international forces and consists of four main line replaceable units: the MIDS-LVT terminal, power supply assembly, mounting base and cooling unit.
Link-16, the tactical data link network used by NATO and coalition forces, provides real-time data communications, situational awareness, navigation and, in some cases, digital voice, in a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package. Link-16 users gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time.
"Successful qualification and delivery of the MIDS-LVT(2) makes DLS the first company in the world to offer a complete Link-16 systems portfolio," said DLS Director Mike Beltrani. "As the premier manufacturer, integrator, and service support provider of all MIDS-LVT variants, DLS is committed to providing the warfighter assured, protected access to the time-critical information they need to efficiently complete their missions anywhere in the world."
The MIDS-LVT(2) is specifically designed for U.S. Army Patriot Information Coordination Central and Battery Command Posts, Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control Units, and surface launched missiles, along with U.S. Air Force Air Operations Centers and Joint Interface Control Officer Support Systems. Future upgrades for the MIDS-LVT(2) include enhanced throughput, frequency remapping and crypto modernization.
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.
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