Ultra CIS - Secure Data Links for Naval Applications

Ultra CIS delivers secure data link technologies & independent integration capabilities, ensuring integrated naval communications, situational awareness, and the secure dissemination & exploitation of mission critical information, between naval surface, subsurface, land and air assets.

These integrated technologies encompass:

• Single and multiple tactical data links, including Link-11, Link-16 and Link-22
• Secure high-grade encryption
• Full motion video (FMV)
• Command and control networks
• Voice communications
• Message handling, network management and control
• Secure integrated communications networks

Tactical data links for naval applications

Ultra's multi link processor (MLP) provides a lightweight, flexible single LRU solution to meet the requirements of single or multiple tactical data link network operations and is fully qualified for airborne applications.

The MLP provides core Link-11, Link 16, Link 22 and VMF functionality and contains the Link-11 high-grade encryption system, for which Ultra is also the Design Authority. The core technologies within MLP are qualified and approved by UK CESG, US NSA and NATO SECAN Authorities.

The family of MLP products provide tailored solutions to meet the requirements of naval surface, subsurface and airborne assets and have secured sales in NATO, Poland, Romania, US (National & FMS), UK, Sweden, Australia, Denmark and Canada. By the end of 2010 Ultra has supplied in excess of 1,000 tactical data link systems and products worldwide.

Video data links for naval situational awareness

Our Video Data Link (VDL) technology is integrated into the UK RN Merlin helicopters. The VDL replaces existing high or low band data links, providing PAL or NTSC video formats and ensuring transmission of encrypted meta-data. The VDL technology is also integrated into the UK Typhoon and Tornado LITENING pods sharing enhanced situational awareness between UK and coalition forces.

Secure digital data links for shipboard weapon systems

The High Integrity Data Link (HIDL™) is a family of secure, flexible, networkable, software definable digital data links which are optimised to meet highly sensitive, time-critical information exchange needs, such as unmanned vehicles, weapon systems and information exchange between multiple platforms and/or nodes. Its unique waveforms and functions ensure secure communications with a low probability of interception, detection or jamming.

Information assurance

Ultra has built up an enviable track record in the provision of UK, US and NATO qualified high-grade encryption and secure communication systems providing both US and non-US interoperable solutions to Link-11 KG-40 systems.

Ultra is currently supporting crypto modernisation initiatives for end cryptographic units (ECUs) and key management solutions in both the UK and the US, incorporating the next generation of high-grade programmable cryptographic devices. In addition, Ultra has significant experience in the integration and installation of high-grade cryptographic devices into platforms and the development and certification of the wider secure system architectures.

Secure naval communications

Ultra has a proven capability in delivering secure communications solutions built around its core leading-edge technologies. This provides secure and assured protection to the transmission of situational awareness, e.g. Link-11, 16 and 22, command and control (C2), voice and data communications, full motion video (FMV) and network solutions.

Ultra has provided, most recently, integrated tactical solutions to the Canadian Maritime H-92 helicopters, multiple tactical solutions into the Danish Flexible Support Vessels, video integration to the UK RN Merlin helicopters, C2 solutions to the UK Watchkeeper UAV, secure voice and data upgrades to the UK Tornado fleet.

Ultra is working closely with naval forces around the world to provide secure communications upgrades, enhancing existing communications infrastructure to allow the secure transmission of key operational data between their naval, land, airborne, surface and sub-surface assets.