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DLS receives $32 million contract to boost naval communications capabilities

Data Link Solutions Receives $32 Million Contract to Boost Naval Communications Capabilities

16 Nov 2015

MIDS on Ship
MIDS on Ship

— Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, has been awarded a $32 million, firm-fixed-price contract from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)-On-Ship (MOS) systems to the U.S. Navy and other international naval forces. By providing full interoperability with all Link 16 systems, MOS increases situational awareness capabilities of ship communications by providing secure, high-capacity, and jam-resistant digital Link 16 data and voice communications capabilities.

With this contract, DLS will deliver up to 12 MOS Lot Four production units for shipboard applications. The systems will equip command-and-control platforms with time-critical targeting and Blue Force Tracking — a system of software and computers that links satellites, sensors, communications devices, vehicles, aircraft, and weapons in a digital network.

Using MOS, Link 16 users gain increased situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time. Each participant in the communications link is able to electronically “see” the battle space, including assigned targets or threats. For the Navy, MOS will enhance the ability of surface warships to exchange text and imagery data with aircraft and ground forces.

“The DLS MOS system elevates mission effectiveness by providing time-critical targeting information and heightened situational awareness for engaged platforms,” said Jack Stevens, DLS senior director. “As a premier manufacturer of shipboard Link 16 and provider of MIDS-LVT variants, DLS is committed to providing our warfighters with assured, protected access to the vital information they need to efficiently complete their missions anywhere in the world.”

DLS provides MOS systems to navies around the world and is used on the most advanced ships.

Work will be performed at DLS facilities in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by December 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.

Products
MIDS LVT
Coordinating airborne, maritime and ground forces
MIDS LVT 2/11
Situational awareness or command and control
MIDS FDL
Low-cost fighter terminal with flexible open architecture design