Rotorhub
BEL datalink, IFF systems mandated for Indian naval helicopter
Lockheed Martin, which (as lead systems integrator) is offering the Sikorsky MH-60R for the Indian Navy’s requirement shipboard helicopters, told RotorHUB that the key indigenous systems that the Indian Navy has asked bidders to integrate into their candidate aircraft include the Link II (two) datalink system plus IFF interrogator and transponder units, all made by Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), which is an Indian Government company.
Link II is a communication system that, using HF, VHF and UHF radios, is designed to connect IN warships, submarines, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and shore establishments, enabling them to exchange messages and tactical data ‘in a speedy, reliable and secure manner’. So far, three Link II implementations have been developed: a Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) for warships plus installations for the Kamov KA31 AEW helicopter and the AgustaWestland Sea King Mk 42B ASW/ASuW aircraft.
As part of its tactical data comms function, Link II generates the tactical picture using data from sensors including radar, sonar and EW equipment. Air, surface, subsurface and ‘special’ tracks can be exchanged between different datalink platforms, says BEL, while air raid warnings and radar/radio silence orders can be distributed through the system. In addition to all the track information, other types of data available over the link include ESM intercept bearings, aircraft status, over-the-horizon-targeting (OTHT) messages and orders.
It also carries out wide area network (WAN) functions including modifications of address lists and network numbers, is capable of multi-circuit operation from a single platform and handles forward error correction, interfacing with modems, ‘tactical devices’ satellite communications, telephone lines and even ‘Sanchar’ the radio telegram service run by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. It also does LAN and tactical data channel management.
Because its message formats are different, Link II is not compatible with NATO datalink systems such as Link 11 (eleven), Link 22 and Link 16, but a BEL engineer told RotorHUB that it could be made compatible through gateways if a customer wanted it that way.
The helicopter requirement is for 16 plus eight options and is also contested by AgustaWestland with the NH90 – the AW101 having been ruled out by ship deck weight limits.
By Peter Donaldson, Bangalore
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