Data Link Solutions (DLS) has secured a new $47.5m contract from the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to deliver Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) to the US Navy and its coalition forces.
DLS is a joint venture (JV) company formed between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins.
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The MIDS JTRS radio will help replace several legacy radios with a system that is lighter, more capable and more energy efficient.
DLS director Alan Dewar said: “This award will provide the navy with the latest in certified, reprogrammable, software-defined radio technology for tactical data links.
“It will also improve our manufacturing efficiency so that we can deliver more affordable advanced data link systems to our customers.”
The new deal marks a significant increase in terminal orders and deliveries as the US Navy and the US Air Force (USAF) commence the transitioning of several platforms to MIDS JTRS.
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By GlobalDataDLS' tactical radio system will enable the US Navy to improve its battlefield situational awareness and mission effectiveness by offering jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for ground, air and sea assets.
The four-channel MIDS JTRS terminal combines the existing Link 16 and tactical air navigation functionality with the flexibility to incorporate emerging airborne waveforms, thereby allowing forces to adapt to changing battlefield requirements with software updates.
Potential future users of the system within the navy include fighters, tankers, transport, command and control forces, and rotary wing aircraft, along with maritime and fixed sites.
Work under the deal is slated to be carried out in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wayne, New Jersey. The project is expected to be completed in August next year.
DLS previously secured a $51.8m US Navy contract for the delivery of MIDS JTRS for the US platforms and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers in December 2015.
Image: The MIDS JTRS enables enhanced operational effectiveness without consuming additional space, weight or power. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
