software-defined radio communications military networking

SAN DIEGO – Military networks Experts from Data Link Solutions LLC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will provide the U.S. Navy with an upgraded, high-capacity, congestion-resistant digital data and voice communications system under a potential $ 75 million contract announced this week.

Officials from the Naval Information Warfare Command (NAVWAR, formerly SPAWAR) in San Diego want Data Link Solutions to upgrade Unit II to upgrade the multifunctional small terminal distribution information system (MIDS-LVT). Data Link Solutions is a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems.

The terminals provide secure, high-capacity, congestion-resistant digital data and voice communications capability for the Navy, Air Force and Army Platforms, as well as for U.S. military allies.

Data Link Solutions is one of two US companies building MIDS-LVT; the other is Viasat Inc. in Carlsbad, California. The two companies won contracts in mid-2015 totaling nearly $ 1 billion to build and maintain MIDS Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) terminals.

Last year, Viasat won a $ 85.5 million contract to supply hardware and software upgrades for Block Upgrade II and MIDS-LVT radio maintenance services.

Related: Data Link Solutions and ViaSat Win $ 957.2 Million Air Tactical Data Connection Orders

The MIDS-LVT II block upgrade project will enable interoperability with platforms that use other upgraded Link 16 terminals, such as the MIDS JTRS family of terminals.

MIDS-LVT is software defined radio (SDR) tactical data link and network system for aircraft, fixed sites, land vehicles and ground warships. It is a four-channel communication system that provides an existing Link 16 tactical network and situational awareness with simultaneous multi-netting-4 functionality and tactical air navigation (TACAN).

The MIDS JTRS terminal has three channels for future growth, including extended JTRS network waveforms such as tactical network technology targeting, multifunctional extended data connection, in-flight data connection, and other advanced network waveforms.

The system is a radio signal system for the collection and transmission of broadband, congestion-resistant, secure data and voice across various air, sea and ground platforms.

Under this order, Data Link Solutions will be completed in Wayne, NJ and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will be completed by December 2026. For more information, contact Data Link Solutions online at www.datalinksolutions.netor NAVWAR on www.public.navy.mil/navwar/Pages/default.aspx.