DOD picks two for data link terminals
The contracts, worth $74.1 million, cover equipment for the U.S. and five other countries.
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command awarded contracts to Data Link Solutions and ViaSat worth a total of $74.1 million for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs).
MIDS terminals provide the data links between a wide variety of air, ship and ground platforms for the exchange of targeting information. They also incorporate navigation and location systems.
The Navy manages the ongoing multinational program. The two contracts awarded June 28 cover equipment for the United States, Australia, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Poland. Under this award, 77 percent of the MIDS gear will go to U.S. users.
MIDS-LVT equipment supports use of the Defense Department Link-16 standard data link and is designed for use in aircraft, Navy ships and Army Patriot missile batteries.
Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, received a MIDS-LVT contract valued at $34.6 million. The award to ViaSat is worth $39.5 million.
The command plans to award another contract for MIDS-LVT terminals in August.