Rockwell Collins joint venture awarded contract

Data Link Solutions, a joint venture of Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids and BAE Systems, has been awarded an $8.2 million production contract by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command for limited production of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System terminals.

The four-channel terminals includes Link 16 capability with the ability to add tactical data link and voice solutions to the system in the future. Link 16 provides real-time data communications, situational awareness and navigation, and in some cases, digital voice, all in a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package.

“DLS is ready to produce the terminals and we expect to make initial deliveries for the F/A-18E/F, the U.S. Air Force RC-135, and the EC-130H Compass Call platforms in the coming months,” said Data Link Solutions Director Dwight Kandt. “MIDS JTRS will provide Link 16 capability to the warfighter today, with the vision of adding future networking waveforms, and establishes the foundation to grow the system into an air tactical data link terminal solution.”