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(April 22, 2002) - BAE
SYSTEMS/Rockwell Collins Data Link Solutions LLC (DLS) has been
awarded a $23 million contract by the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), San Diego, Calif., for 73 additional
Fighter Data Link (FDL) terminals, and to support accelerated FDL
terminal deliveries.
Key elements of the contract, which will support urgent F-15
deployment needs for the Department of Defense and homeland security,
include:
- Seventy-three additional FDL
terminals. This award will bring the total number of terminals to be
produced to 774. Since February 2000, DLS has delivered
approximately 300 terminals.
- Government furnished equipment to
step up the production rate of FDL terminals from 20 to 32 per
month.
- Additional risk reduction support in
engineering, logistics and personnel training.
"Link 16 has become a critical capability
to the warfighter," said Captain Michael Beltrani, Fighter Data Link
Program Manager for the U.S. Air Force. "The Air Force appreciates DLS'
hard work in getting FDL terminals to our F-15s and looks forward to
equipping all combat-coded F-15 aircraft. In addition, the ability to
add FDL to our training squadrons will pay immediate benefits."
The FDL terminal, also known as the MIDS LVT Version 3 terminal,
originally was developed for use in the Air Force's F-15C/D Eagle air
superiority aircraft. This terminal is being adapted to interface with
other Air Force F-15 fighters and will provide a data link optimized
for air superiority, deep interdiction and air defense operations.
The MIDS program is managed by the U.S. Navy MIDS International
Program Office, located in San Diego, Calif. Its responsibilities
include management of several versions of MIDS terminals for Navy, Air
Force, Army and international military use. Link 16 provides real time
data communications, situational awareness and navigation, and in some
cases digital voice, all in a jam-resistant, crypto secured manner.
Command Control (C2) users include NATO, U.S., U.K., French
and Japanese Airborne Warning and Control System platforms, U.S. Navy
Airborne Early Warning platforms, Joint Surveillance Target Attack
Radar System (Joint STARS), U.S. Navy carriers, cruisers, other
surface combatants and submarines, and various air defense ground
environments. Current tactical fighter users include Naval F-14Ds,
U.K./Italian Tornados, and U.S. Air Force F-15s. Additionally, Link 16
is being integrated into Navy F/A-18E/Fs, F-16s and the Eurofighter
Typhoon, and is planned for a number of other platforms, such as Air
Force bombers.
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