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Data Link Solutions to support U.K. military communication terminals
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (August 13, 2008) - The U.K. Ministry of Defence has selected Data Link Solutions (DLS) to provide post-design engineering and logistics support
services for Link 16 communications terminals.
Under a $12.2 million contract, Data Link Solutions - a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems - will provide
support services for Link 16 products installed on several platforms, including the Royal Air Force E-3, Tornado, and Typhoon;
Royal Navy Sea King helicopter and Type 42 destroyers; and the U.K. Air Defense Ground Environment. The contract covers multiple
DLS products including the Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems, URC-138 Sea Harrier/Sea King terminal, Multifunctional
Information Distribution System low-volume terminals, and related support equipment.
"Our collaboration with the Ministry of Defence is an effective approach to accelerating return-to-service turnaround time
of Link 16 equipment, maximizing readiness and reducing life-cycle costs," said Jim Pitts, DLS director. "DLS will provide
the MoD with in-country, intermediate-level Link 16 terminal repairs, training, spares management, test equipment, and engineering
support."
Link 16 provides real-time data communications, situational awareness, navigation, and in some cases, digital voice, all in
a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package. Link 16 users gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common
communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time. Each participant in the communication link
is able to electronically "see" the battle space, including assigned targets and threats.
As part of the U.K. support program, DLS is establishing a Link 16 repair center in Waddington, U.K. This facility is a part
of DLS's strategy to create local and regional support centers to serve Link 16 customers worldwide.
About Data Link Solutions
Data Link Solutions was established in 1996 by two of the world leaders in military communications, BAE Systems and Rockwell
Collins, to pursue next-generation Link 16 applications. DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well
as logistics and support services for air-, land-, and sea-based platforms, with a heritage of more than 20 years of Link
16 design and production experience with more than 3,000 Link 16 systems delivered. DLS has provided MIDS terminals for more
than 40 different platforms in 25 countries, with product offerings that include the Joint Tactical Information Distribution
System Class 2 family, the Multi-Functional Information Distribution System low-volume terminal and LVT-3 Fighter Data Link,
the URC-138 Link 16 terminal, and various country-unique data links.
For further information, please contact:
Keith Lewis, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 973 633-4385 Mobile: +1 862 485 2729
keith.p.lewis@baesystems.com
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