MADL combat ready for USMC
Northrop Grumman's Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) waveform has been proven combat-ready, with the US Marine Corps (USMC) declaring initial operating capability (IOC) for the F-35B aircraft.
MADL is a directional high-data-rate communications link that enables covert integrated engagement and coordinated tactics in high-threat environments. It exceed 1,000 flight hours during the testing of the F-35 aircraft. It is part of Northrop Grumman's F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics and the F-35 Block 2 software release. A total of 181 CNI systems have been delivered to prime contractor Lockheed Martin.
The USMC declared the short takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant and its first squadron, the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, operational from 31 July. The squadron currently has ten aircraft.
Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager, communications division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems, said: 'Northrop Grumman congratulates the marine corps on their achievement of this momentous F-35 milestone. The successful completion of IOC also validates Northrop Grumman's more than ten-year effort to advance communication among fifth-generation aircraft.'
'In addition to fifth-to-fifth, Northrop Grumman's CNI system also provides a core capability for fifth-to-fourth generation networked data sharing and unparalleled interoperability.'
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