News
Data Link Solutions to Support Critical U.S. Navy Link 16 Communications Capabilities
Jun 2014
WAYNE, New Jersey — Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, has secured a $28 million contract from the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) to provide critical infrastructure protection and enhanced situational awareness for air, land, and naval forces. As a prime contractor, the company will provide systems engineering and integration support for the Multifunctional Informational Distribution System - Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) — a versatile technology arming U.S. and allied assets with secure, jam-resistant Link 16 communications.
“Data Link Solutions has a history of delivering high-end systems engineering services and solutions to U.S. government programs of national significance,” said Joseph Senftle, vice president and general manager of Communications and Control Solutions at BAE Systems. “We’re proud to build on that history by delivering high-quality, protected military communication systems to the U.S. Navy as they continue their legacy of exceptional service and contributions to the nation’s MIDS-LVT Link 16 weapon system programs.”
Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, is one of the only suppliers of MIDS-LVT configurations within a complete Link 16 systems portfolio. The MIDS-LVT provides the critical airborne, maritime and ground link in the Joint and Combined Warfare Arena, allowing simultaneous coordination of all forces in the area of operation while maintaining unmatched situational awareness. The digital data link enables radar information to be shared from the airborne warning and control system, while also presenting a real-time tactical picture identifying the locations of friendly and enemy forces across the battle space as well as air, land, and sea platforms.
The U.S. Navy Link 16 support contract also involves the procurement of MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 (BU2) software and test equipment for the United States and its cooperative partners — France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. It is a modification to the $34.52 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded in September 2010. Work under this new contract will be performed at BAE Systems’ facility in Wayne, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by March 2017.
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.
DLS has provided MIDS terminals for more than 40 different platforms in 38 countries. Product offerings include the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System Class 2 family, the Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) LVT and LVT-3 Fighter Data Link, the MIDS-LVT-2, the MIDS-On-Ship, the URC-138 Link 16 terminal, TacNet™ Tactical Radio and various country-unique data links. DLS is one of the only companies to provide MIDS-LVT variants including the Fighter Data Link, MIDS LVT-2/11, and MIDS-JTRS.
