News
DLS Supports UK Ministry of Defense Link 16 Technology
23 Jan. 2012
WAYNE, New Jersey — Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, and a supplier of military communication Link 16 solutions, has been awarded a $29 million, five-year, asset availability and post design services contract. The award calls for DLS to provide Link 16 sustainment and engineering services to the United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defense (MoD) Tactical Data Links Delivery Team.
The DLS Waddington Support Facility, located at Waddington, Royal Air Force Base (RAFB), will provide sustainment, engineering and design support services to the UK MoD, for a period of five years. The agreement includes DLS support for the application and integration of Link 16 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals and the AN/URC-138(V)1(C) Information Distribution System.
"With the opening of this facility, the UK MoD will realize significantly reduced repair turnaround times resulting in operational and maintenance savings, while eliminating the burden of transporting terminals back to the United States," said Mike Beltrani, DLS director. "The Waddington Support Facility will serve as a model for in-country support for customers in more than 30 countries that use our Link 16 terminals and systems today."
The DLS Waddington Support Facility will provide serviceable, mission-capable Link 16 terminal assets to meet MoD operational requirements. This will improve line replacement unit availability at a designated MoD point-of-exchange supporting the front line commands and platform delivery teams. Operational level requirements of the DLS Waddington Support Facility will be supported by DLS facilities located in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the United States.
DLS Link 16 solutions provide real-time data communications, situational awareness and navigation and, in some cases, digital voice, all in a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package. Today, various types of MIDS terminals are providing interoperable communications aboard U.S. and coalition tactical fighter aircraft, command and control aircraft, ships and ground sites.
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.