Data Link Solutions nabs $20 million defense contract

A $20 million defense contract for Link-16 terminals to supply U.S. and coalition forces has been awarded to Data Link Solutions, a joint venture of Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems.

Link-16 terminals are more generically known as Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminals. They use radio signals to provide military forces with data communications, navigation, situational awareness, and in some cases voice communication.

The award includes radios for several U.S. military platforms and foreign military sales to Finland, Saudi Arabia, Japan and others.

The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army's Tactical Radio Communications Systems office. Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J., and Cedar Rapids. Completion is expected by December 2011, according to Steve Overbeck, Data Link Solutions director.

Data Link Solutions seperately announced this week that it has successfully delivered its first Multifunctional Information Distribution System- Low Volume Terminal  (2) unitss to the U.S. Army's Tactical Radio Communications Systems office.

The MIDS-LVT(2) is a self-contained mobile system that provides a critical ground link for simultaneous coordination of air, land and maritime forces for situational awareness or command decisions.  The qualification and manufacturing of the units was performed in Wayne and Cedar Rapids.