Rockwell Collins, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Data Link Solutions LLC and the MIDS JTRS Industry and Military Team recently conducted a live demonstration of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS).
The demonstration involved a MIDS-JTRS form-fit terminal interfacing with a legacy MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) radio and a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) beacon simulator. The Link 16 waveform communicated with position and track data being transferred between the radios, while another radio provided range and bearing data from a TACAN beacon simulator.
The demonstration was performed for the Joint Programs Executive Office board of directors at the Pentagon.
“Using software applications for expanded capability, the MIDS JTRS terminal offers more advanced communications without additional space, weight, or power,” said David Erusha, Data Link Solutions director. “Aircraft such as fighters, tankers, transport, command and control, and rotary wing, along with maritime and fixed sites, are all potential users of the new communication and data link terminal.”
The initial host platform for the new radio is the U.S. Navy F/A-18 and U.S. Air Force BACN.
MIDS JTRS, being developed jointly by ViaSat and Data Link Solutions, provides an incremental path for migration to a software communications compliant architecture. The program adds three JTRS channels within the MIDS-LVT form factor while maintaining plug-and-play backward compatibility with the MIDS-LVT for Link 16 and TACAN capabilities.
The three additional channels will provide the capability to run other advanced networking waveforms such as Tactical Targeting Network Technology, Wideband Networking Waveform, Soldier Radio Waveform, and Mobile User Objective System. Data Link Solutions is currently developing design specifications and initial hardware for TTNT, and is expecting a contract award later this year to complete the design, integration, and qualification of this early networking waveform onto the MIDS JTRS platform.
Data Link Solutions was established in 1996 by BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins to pursue next-generation Link 16 applications. It has a heritage of more than 20 years of Link 16 design and production experience, having produced more than 3,500 Link 16 systems and providing global logistics and support services. DLS has provided MIDS terminals for all operational domains (airborne, shipboard, ground / transportable) in 24 different countries.
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