BAE Systems-Rockwell Collins JV Awarded Contract To Enhance Communications Between 5th and 4th Generation Fighter Jets

Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, has been awarded a contract from the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) to demonstrate the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) on the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS).

DLS will work with SPAWAR and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory to support the sharing of mission-critical data to further bridge the interoperability communications gap between fifth-generation stealth aircraft and fourth-generation fighter jets.

The enhanced communications capabilities will allow fourth generation jets to receive more detailed information to improve situational awareness across the battlespace. Planned for the third quarter of 2015, the demonstration will use a MADL data link on a MIDS JTRS transceiver communicating with a fifth-generation stealth fighter reference implementation.

“Identified as a goal of the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, the MADL demonstration serves as a battlespace risk reduction activity for the broader 5th to 4th generation gateway procurement,” said DLS director Doug Schmidt in a press release.

“This planned laboratory demonstration continues DLS’ commitment to helping resolve the 5th to 4th generation communications gap, while improving situational awareness and mission success for our allied forces.”

The MIDS JTRS is a networked communications system providing a single chassis, multiple-channel radio that significantly reduces the number of different and unique radios needed on the battlefield. The MIDS JTRS is a four-channel JTRS radio that includes Link 16 and Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) functionality.