BAE awarded naval data-sharing contract
BAE Systems has received a contract worth up to $84.7 million to provide the US Navy with the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) system, the company announced on 28 September.
The system will boost the navy’s ability to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources and exchange command and control information across disparate networks.
The initial systems will be installed on the navy’s large-deck amphibious ships and aircraft carriers.
The NTCDL is designed to enable soldiers to support multiple simultaneous networked operations using their current Common Data Link (CDL) equipment and next-generation unmanned and manned platforms.
The system allows real-time exchange of data, voice, imagery, and full-motion video from several sources: surface, air, subsurface, and man-portable. The scalable, modular system is designed to increase link capacity and support waveform evolution.
Brian Walters, vice president and general manager of Electronic Combat Solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘Our technology enables greater and faster delivery of tactical communications and information-sharing to help the navy maintain its maritime advantage.’
BAE Systems will work with Ball Aerospace to advance the two companies’ joint Multi Link CDL Systems development efforts.
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