US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Data Link Solutions (DLS) announced on 19 May that it has been awarded the first full-rate production contract from the USN to produce modernised Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) cabinet terminals.
Delivery is scheduled to begin in September 2020.
DLS is a JV between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace. The $3.2 million contract will be fulfilled by BAE Systems in Wayne, New Jersey and Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Link 16-interoperable MIDS On-Ship Modernization System (MOS Mod) cabinet receives and transmits text and imagery to and from military air, ground, and maritime forces to generate mission scenarios in real-time.
‘This smaller, lighter system will give the US Navy all the functionality of previous Link 16 radio models but with improved access to line replaceable units, which enhances maintenance operations,’ said DLS director Alan Dewar.
‘The system is more than 60% lighter than the current configuration and has a reduced cabinet height of 48 inches.’
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.