Northrop Grumman's CLIP ready for fielding
Northrop Grumman has announced that its Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) system being developed for the US Air Force (USAF) has received Milestone C acquisition approval, paving the way for the fielding of this software package and providing aircrews with enhanced capabilities to communicate critical tactical information.
CLIP software, designed for a USAF programme that also includes US Navy (USN) platforms, translates and formats messages and allows existing platforms without a tactical data link, as well as platforms with different data links, to communicate with each other.
Northrop Grumman is integrating CLIP in B-52 aircraft and the USN MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aerial System (BAMS UAS), a maritime version of the USAF RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle.
According to Northrop Grumman, the Air Force Electronic Systems Centre approved the CLIP Milestone based on criteria including software maturity, operational assessment, interoperability and supportability, life-cycle affordability and information assurance.
The CLIP system provides a common approach to integrating tactical data links and Internet protocol connectivity. The CLIP software is integrated into combat weapon and command and control systems to enable tactical data link capabilities. The system was integrated as part of the B-1B Lancer Fully Integrated Data Link program demonstrated in 2010, proving the ability to exchange real-time unit and tracking information via the line-of-sight Link 16 data link and the Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP) networks. JREAP extends the range over which data messages can be transmitted via a satellite channel. The Joint Interoperability Test Centre issued Link 16 and JREAP A Standards Conformance certification for CLIP earlier this year.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
