Link 16 Display
(click to see situation)
What one sees, all see. Jam-resistant Link-16 radios automatically exchange battlefield information – particularly locations of friendly and enemy aircraft, ships and ground forces – among themselves in a long-range, line-of-sight network. For example, air surveillance tracking data from an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft can be instantly shared with fighter aircraft and air defense units. More than a dozen countries have installed Link 16 terminals on over 19 different land, sea, and air platforms, making it an interoperability success story.
While recent advancements may make AESA radars the future transmitters of choice, Link 16 is the current standard. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS LVTs) were developed by a multinational consortium to provide Link 16 capability at a lower weight, volume, and cost than the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). This free-to-view DID Spotlight article throws a spotlight on the program, explaining Link 16, and covering associated contracts around the world.
The MIDS-LVT Program
DLS’ MIDS-LVT
As Rockwell Collins notes:
“Link 16 provides real-time, jam-resistant secure transfer of combat data, voice and relative navigation information between widely dispersed battle elements. Participants gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time, reducing the chance of fratricide, duplicate assignments or missed targets. Each participant in the communication link is able to electronically see the battle space, including assigned targets or threats. The DLS MIDS LVT represents the latest generation of Link 16 equipment incorporating secure data and voice into a single, small, affordable and highly reliable unit.”
The MIDS program was inaugurated via a Memorandum of Understanding amongst the founding MIDS nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States). It is managed by the U.S. Navy MIDS International Program Office in San Diego, CA, whose responsibilities include management of several versions of MIDS terminals for the US Navy, Air Force, Army and international militaries.
DLS on MIDS
MIDS Low-Volume Terminals (LVTs) are on most U.S. Air Force fighters, bombers and tankers, most U.S. Navy aircraft, ships, and US bases and air defense systems. Other NATO countries have generally been slower and less comprehensive in their implementations, but Link 16 is often installed on fighters, surveillance and patrol aircraft of all types, and air defense systems. Some countries have even taken extra steps, and installed broader network management and transmission systems to extend Link 16’s reach within defined territories.
The MIDS-LVT (1) family is the “airborne terminal,” but it is also used by some ground units. In addition to basic Link 16 functionality:
LVT (1) implements the TACAN Tactical Air Navigation System, and Voice.
LVT (4) provides Voice, but eliminates TACAN.
LVT (6) eliminates Voice, but provides TACAN.
LVT (7) is the bare-bones model, eliminating both TACAN and Voice.
The MIDS LVT (2) family does not implement TACAN, since it’s the “ground terminal,” but it is also used by some airborne units:
The LVT (2) does not implement Voice.
The LVT (11) does implement Voice. Sometimes written LVT-2/11.
LVT-2/11 is specifically designed for U.S. Army Patriot Information Coordination Central (ICC) and Battery Command Posts, Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control Units (FAAD C2) and surface launched missiles, along with U.S. Air Force Air Operations Centers and Joint Interface Control Officer Support Systems. Future upgrades for the terminal are expected to include enhanced throughput, frequency remapping, and improved cryptography.
There is also a MIDS on ship (MOS) implementation, which is a separate type of equipment that performs key Link 16 functions. It serves in the US Navy, and in many allied navies as well.
Into the Future: FAST, MIDS JTRS, and Beyond
Right now, there are a pair of efforts underway to improve Link 16 based connectivity. One is BAE Systems’ Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST) waveform, aimed at upgrading older aircraft using Link 16 terminals. FAST aggregates unused time slots within Link 16 to boost throughput from 256kbps up to 1Mbps.
A more advanced solution is also underway. Data Link Solutions (DLS) and ViaSat are collaborating on the forthcoming MIDS JTRS/ MIDS-J, which will have a software-controlled architecture. JTRS is expected to be the foundation of future US radio-based communications.
Within the same volume as the MIDS-LVT, the software-defined MIDS-JTRS will be able to handle Link 16 with NSA certified encryption, Link-16 Enhanced Throughput (ET) and Link-16 Frequency Remapping (FR). It will also have TACAN (a tactical air navigation aid providing range and bearing from a beacon), UHF or VHF, and the Wideband Networking Waveform as communication options, and additional capabilities are implemented on 3 additional programmable channels from 2 MHz – 2 GHz. The US military wants to be able to upgrade MIDS-JTRS by simply removing an older MIDS LVT-1 module, and installing the new MIDS-JTRS module in the aircraft as a plug-and-play upgrade.
Once that is accomplished, other possibilities open up. Because MIDS-JTRS is a software-defined system, new capabilities can be added within the limits of a module’s on-board processing and storage capabilities.
One option under development is called the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) waveform. TTNT is an IP-based, auto-forming mesh network that can easily admit over 200 new platforms (aircraft, UAVs, weapons, etc.) closing at up to Mach 8, so long as they have the right encryption and use TDMA transmissions. Dynamic TDMA-based networks usually have latency issues and are very complex; TTNT claims to have simplified this by using something called Statistical Priority-Based Multiple Access (SPMA) to automatically prioritize traffic. Communications satellite destroyed? No problem; indeed, that’s the point of TTNT. So long as TTNT-enabled platforms can transmit to each other, they have a network together and can share enemy positions over Link-16, sensor data, or even use TTNT to help with automated take-off and landing. Optimum throughput is said to be about 10 Mbps of system traffic at a range of 300 nmi.
Another capability under development is Talon HATE, a pod that uses MIDS-J’s programmable flexibility to enable communication with stealth fighters like the F-22, which use different datalinks in order to avoid revealing their position.
The 1st platforms to reach Initial Operational Capability MIDS-JTRS will be the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter family, the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance & communication aircraft, and the RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping plane. Full production and fielding of MIDS JTRS generally was approved in April 2012.
MIDS JTRS has also been slated for the EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare variant of the Hercules turboprop, under limited production & fielding. Future US Navy platforms will include the E-2 Hawkeye AWACS plane, as well the Navy’s aircraft carriers, destroyers, and cruisers. The USAF will eventually field it on F-15E Strike Eagles, its B-1B and B-52H bombers, Special Operations aircraft (mostly C-130 variants like the Compass Call), and Ground C2 & ISR units. Other aircraft will continue to use existing MIDS terminals, and so will US Army systems.
Members of EuroMIDS are also collaborating in these efforts, and will probably produce MIDS JTRS in the future. Thales and Data Link Solutions, for example, already have a June 2006 agreement to that effect. On the other hand, the US National Security Agency had not approved the programmable cryptographic keys for foreign users, as of April 2012. Until that approval is forthcoming, it will force buyers outside America to either continue buying MIDS-LVTs, or take the problematic route of incorporating their own cryptography into MIDS JTRS.
MIDS/ Link 16 Contracts & Key Events:
FY 2004 – Present
Unless otherwise noted, the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA issues these contracts. Delivery orders are competitively procured, typically with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR e-commerce web site, after the synopsis is first released via the US Federal Business Opportunities web site.
Note that Data Link Solutions is a BAE Systems/ Rockwell Collins joint venture with its headquarters in Cedar Rapids, IA. EuroMIDS is another joint venture which includes Thales (France), Selex (Italy), EADS (Germany) and INDRA (Spain).
FY 2015
August 7/15:The Defense Department wants to upgrade US AV-8B Harriers with the Link 16 datalink system. The proposed $71.5 million, six-year upgrade is currently in the DoD’s FY2016 budget request, but if designated for re-programming, Harriers could begin to receive the new equipment this year through a $7.5 million acquisition. With the AV-8B fleet scheduled for retirement in 2025, the tactical datalink system will enable the older aircraft to integrate with more modern platforms, including the F-35.
FY 2014
MIDS-LVT Block 2 development; TTNT added to MIDS-JTRS.
TTNT
Sept 16/14: Talon HATE. Boeing Advanced Network & Space Systems, Phantom Works has completed the final design review for the USAF’s Talon HATE pod program, which is designed to enable existing fighters to share information with F-22s over stealth-friendly secure datalinks. The core of this effort integrates the same IFDL datalink used on F-22As with MIDS-JTRS, which can generate different waveforms concurrently. Fighters equipped with the Talon HATE pod can bridge the gap between the F-22A and everyone else, serving as a distribution node over more universal modes like Link-16. As a bonus, pod-equipped fighters also get IRST long-range infrared to find targets – a method that bypasses radar stealth. This is especially useful against low-flying cruise missiles.
Note that unarmed platforms like the BACN UAVs and business jets can already handle datalink bridging, but you wouldn’t take them into enemy airspace. Hence the fighter pod approach. Tactically, Talon HATE allows the F-22 to act as a “bird dog” forward observer of sorts, transmitting the position of enemy aircraft and key ground systems to pod-equipped legacy fighters, who share the data with the rest of the force. To the extent that legacy fighters employ new missiles with full 2-way datalinks and compatibility with F-22 retargeting, the F-22s could even serve as terminal guidance. The idea isn’t entirely new, and was demonstrated during the Northern Edge 2006 exercise when F-22s were used to find opponents whose positioning behind obstacles made them invisible to standard AWACS (q.v. Key Events, June 9-16/06). What’s new is the ability to do this without giving away the F-22’s position: Talon HATE is an initial effort, and may be followed by a “5-to-4″ program.
F-15C air superiority fighters are Talon HATE’s initial platform, but MIDS-JTRS is being deployed on the US Navy’s multi-role F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, as is expected to spread to other fighters as a standard. Boeing is scheduled to deliver several Talon HATE systems to operational F-15C squadrons in 2015. Sources: Boeing, “Boeing Completes Design Review for U.S. Air Force’s Talon HATE Program”.
Aug 19/14: TTNT. US SPAWAR in San Diego, CA issues a pair of contracts to add the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) waveform to MIDS-JTRS, and take development through to Critical Design Review. Work is expected to be complete by Aug 19/17.
TTNT is designed to significantly increase operational Link-16 networks’ capacities, improve network performance, and provide more capable and flexible Link-16 network configurations. In concrete terms, it’s an IP-based, auto-forming mesh network that can easily admit over 200 new platforms (aircraft, UAVs, weapons, etc.) closing at up to Mach 8, so long as they have the right encryption and use TDMA transmissions. Dynamic TDMA-based networks usually have latency issues and are very complex; TTNT claims to have simplified this by using something called Statistical Priority-Based Multiple Access (SPMA) to automatically prioritize traffic. Communications satellite destroyed? No problem; indeed, that’s the point of TTNT. So long as TTNT-enabled platforms can transmit to each other, they have a network together and can share enemy positions, sensor data, or even help to enable automated take-off and landing. Optimum throughput is said to be about 10 Mbps of system traffic at a range of 300 nmi.
Data Link Solutions, LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA wins a $124.3 million multiple award contract modification, which provides the necessary scope increase. $11.6 million in FY 2014 US Navy RDT&E funds is committed immediately. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (30%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (70%) (N00039-10-D-0031).
ViaSat, Inc., Carlsbad, CA wins a $72.7 million multiple award contract modification, which provides the necessary scope increase. $11.6 million in FY 2014 US Navy RDT&E funds is committed immediately. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (N00039-10-D-0031).
MIDS-JTRS adding TTNT
July 30/14: Support. US SPAWAR issues a combined $116.75 million modification to an existing multiple award contract, exercising options for MIDS-LVT and MIDS-JTRS engineering and integration. Awards will be issued as task orders when necessary, and work is expected to be complete by March 9/15. The original contract was competitively procured as a multiple award contract via FBO.gov and SPAWAR e-Commerce Central, with 2 proposals solicited, 2 offers received, and 2 contracts issued:
For Data Link Solutions, LLC, in Cedar Rapids, IA (N00039-10-D-0031), work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%).
For ViaSat, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA (N00039-10-D-0032), work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA.
Nov 4/13: Block 2. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. in Wayne, NJ receives a $48 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT systems engineering and integration. This includes a corresponding delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 software and test equipment on behalf of the USA, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ and is expected to be complete by March 2017. $1.6 million is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(4) (N00039-10-D-0060, #0015).
Nov 4/13: Block 2. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives up to $39.2 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT production and engineering services, including a delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 design and development on behalf of the United States.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA, and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/16. $1.3 million is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) (N00039-10-D-0032, #0035).
Nov 4/13: Block 2. Data Link Solutions LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA receives up to $32.9 million as a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT production and engineering services, including a delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 development and retrofits on behalf of the USA.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/16. $1.5 million is committed immediately, and these funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) (N00039-10-D-0031, #0043).
Block 2 development
FY 2013
Orders from USA, Australia, Germany, Japan, Oman, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE; Crypto upgrade coming; MIDS-JTRS CMN-4 R&D; DLS joint venture extended.
Aug 5/13: US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues $33.1 million in contracts for MIDS-LVTs.
ViaSat Inc. in Carlsbad, CA receives a $21.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the USA (47%), Australia (22%), Oman (16%) and Thailand (15%), and all funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other locations worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by July 31/15. $980,030 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0032, #0031).
Data Link Solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $11.4 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the USA (71%), Poland (8%), Japan (8%), Australia (5%), UAE (5%) and Saudi Arabia (3%). All funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2015. $894,200 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0031, #0039).
MIDS-LVTs
July 10/13: MIDS JTRS CMN-4. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues a pair of MIDS JTRS cost-plus-incentive-fee delivery orders, involving the design & implementation of a major bandwidth expansion. MIDS JTRS is a 4-channel, software-defined system. CMN-4 implements 4 nets of concurrent multi-netting (hence the name) with concurrent contention receive, in order to take full advantage of that architecture. Not only does it improve Link-16’s bandwidth, it also improves network flexibility and performance. There are only 2 suppliers for this, so the delivery orders weren’t competitively procured, per 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).
Data Link Solutions LLC in Wayne, NJ receives $33.4 million. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (88%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (12%), and is expected to be complete by March 7/15. $28.7 million in FY 2012 RDT&E funds is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0031, #0037).
ViaSat Inc. in Carlsbad, CA receives $19.5 million. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA, and and is expected to be complete by March 7/15. $16.8 million in FY 2012 RDT&E funds is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0032, #0029).
R&D: CMN-4 bandwidth & capability expansion
June 28/13: Support. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues a pair of engineering research & support contracts for MIDS-LVT and MIDS-JTRS terminals. The total set of available funds is $166.3 million, but it’s a multiple-award contract, with task orders issued between the 2 qualified firms until March 9/14. Neither firm will receive their theoretical maximum, because SPAWAR isn’t about to move to a sole supplier.
Data Link Solutions, LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA will perform any task orders in Wayne, NJ (70%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (30%) (N00039-10-D-0031)
ViaSat, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA will perform any task orders at their single site (N00039-10-D-0032).
Feb 4/13: Crypto. ViaSat announces a $34 million dollar firm-fixed-price contract to design, development, and deliver a new LCM cryptographic module, as part of MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2.
They’ll use their PSIAM cryptographic technology, which they tout as being “based entirely on commercial off the shelf (COTS) components”. The module they develop will be designed to be integrated into a variety of MIDS-LVT hardware variants. Indeed, award covers development, then production of 10,000 LCMs to retrofit all of America’s MIDS-LVT hardware.
R&D: Crypto upgrade
Jan 23/13: DLS JV extended. BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins decide to extend their Data Link Solutions joint venture, and hold a ceremonial signing at the Carnegie Library in Washington, DC. DLS was established in 1996.
DLS touts their support of 33 countries operating on Link-16, with an installed base of 6,000 terminals worldwide, and a portfolio of more than $2 billion in product orders. They also highlight the fact that they’re the only provider of all Link-16 variants, which they hope will position them for upgrade work.
Data Link Systems JV extended
Jan 17/13: DOT&E testing. The Pentagon releases the FY 2012 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). MIDS JTRS is included, and there’s some good news: FY 2012 testing showed that many of the 2010 IOT&E test’s deficiencies (q.v. November 2010 entry) have been fixed.
MIDS JTRS on the Super Hornet is now operationally effective and suitable (maintainable). IOT&E 84% success for fine sync is now 99%, with 100% of air-to-air messages exchanged successfully, and system reliability up from IOT&E’s critical failure mean time of 8.1 hours/ 68% to 21.6 hours/ 99%. The only problem left is the false alarm rate, which is 1 per 5.9 hours instead of 1 per 113.0.
MIDS JTRS on the E-8C JSTARS was declared operationally effective and suitable, but with limitations. The system worked, with no terminal failures in 114.3 hours of testing. The problem is that terminal operators had display problems, which needs to be fixed.
Finally, The US Navy is continuing development of 2 major MIDS JTRS increments: CMN-4 (Link 16 four-channel Concurrent Multi-Netting with Concurrent Retention Receive) and TTNT (Tactical Targeting Networking Technology). These new capabilities may require significant hardware and software design changes to the MIDS JTRS core terminal, as well as modifications to host platforms for TTNT. That adds considerable technical risk, and will require extensive testing.
Dec 18/12: ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $12.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs from the USA (44%), from Germany (8%) under the MIDS Program Memorandum of Understanding, and from Oman (48%) as a Foreign Military Sale.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by July 31/14. All contract funds are committed. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC) via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, CA (N00039-10-D-0032).
Nov 12/12: Lot 13. ViaSat announces $33.9 million in MIDS-LVT Production Lot 13 orders for U.S. Government EA-18G, P-3, EP-3E, P-8A, MH-60R, E-2D, B-1, and ground terminal applications (63%); and Foreign Military Sales to Turkey (37%).
MIDS-LVTs
FY 2012
Full MIDS JTRS production & fielding approved for Super Hornets, E-8C, and RC-135s; MIDS program grows; Orders from USA, Finland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea & Taiwan; DLS’ UK service facility; DOT&E test reports blast ViaSat & MIDS-JTRS.
Aug 9/12: Lot 13. DLS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded an $18.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the United States (33%) and the governments of Saudi Arabia (38%), Finland (27%), and the Republic of Korea (3%).
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Jan 31/15. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC), with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, following a synopsis on FBO.gov (N00039-10-D-0031).
Aug 9/12: Lot 13. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives an $18 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs from the US military. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and is expected to be completed by July 31/14. $402,756 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/12.
This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC), with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, following a synopsis on FBO.gov (N00039-10-D-0032).
MIDS-LVTs
June 2/12: B-1s added. A USAF article covers the USAF’s B-1B Lancer Sustainment-Block 16 program, which will bring Link 16 to the bomber via a MIDS LVT-1 install.
Developmental testing for the entire Sustainment-Block 16 package, which includes a number of other items, is scheduled to begin March 2013. Under the current program schedule, the 337th TES squadron will begin operational testing September 2013.
May 2/12: Taiwan. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a $9.4 million firm-fixed-price delivery order to Taiwan of MIDS-LVT terminals, as a Foreign Military Sale transaction. Note the previous Feb 27/12 announcement regarding Taiwan’s P-3C maritime patrol planes, and its Ground Link-16 Program.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/14. This contract was competitively procured via FBO.gov and the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 offers received. The competition was real, as Taiwan has shifted its buys back and forth over time. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA manages the contract, on behalf of its FMS client (N00039-10-D-0031).
Taiwan
April 10/12: Per the April 4/12 entry that announced resolution of ViaSat’s quality issues to the Pentagon’s satisfaction, ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA wins a $31.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS JTRS systems.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (47%); Melbourne, FL (15.8%); Gilbert, AZ (14.2%); and other sites in the United States (23%), and is expected to be completed by February 2014. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website and FBO.gov, with 2 solicited proposals and 2 offers received (N00039-10-D-0032). See also ViaSat release.
April 10/12: DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA wins a $25.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS JTRS systems.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by February 2014. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website and FBO.gov, with 2 solicited proposals and 2 offers received (N00039-10-D-0031).
MIDS JTRS award – to both vendors
April 4/12: MIDS-JTRS Approved for FP&F. Re-tests must have shown improvement since October 2011. The MIDS JTRS terminal is approved for Full Production and Fielding by Mr. Frank Kendall, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
Despite earlier problems with ViaSat terminals (vid. Jan 17/12 entry), both MIDS-JTRS vendors have now been found Operationally Effective and Operationally Suitable by Commander, Operational Test & Evaluation Force (COTF) and Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), and will soon attain Initial Operational capability (IOC) on 3 different platforms: the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter family, the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance & communication aircraft, and the RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping plane.
Note that the Super Hornet has also been bought by Australia, and Britain is building an RC-135 fleet that is making the platform a shared program. JPEO JTRS [PDF]
MIDS JTRS approved for full production
March 30/12: Program cost. From the Pentagon’s Selected Acquisitions Report ending Dec 31/11:
“Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) – Program costs increased $348.2 million (+13.1%) from $2,662.2 million to $3,010.4 million, due primarily to additional development and integration of the Concurrent Multi-Netting (CMN-4) capability (+$195.0 million) and the Tactical Targeting Network Technology waveform (+$91.0 million) into the MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) terminal. In addition, there was a quantity increase of 230 MIDS terminals from 5,028 to 5,258 terminals (+$79.0 million).”
SAR: more MIDS
Feb 27/12: Taiwan. DLS announces a $3.8 million contract for MIDS-LVTs, for Taiwan’s P-3 and Ground Link-16 Program. This program will allow Taiwan’s new sea control aircraft to share data in real time with Link-16 equipped counterparts. The U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) acts as Taiwan’s FMS agent.
Taiwan P-3s
Feb 9/12: South Korea. DLS announces a $5.5 million contract to provide MIDS-LVTs for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KF-16 fighters. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ, and Cedar Rapids, IA.
KF-16s are F-16C/D fighters assembled on the finishing line in Korea.
South Korea F-16s
Jan 23/12: UK facility. DLS announces a $29 million, 5-year, asset availability and post design services contract from the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) Tactical Data Links Delivery Team.
The DLS Waddington Support Facility, located at RAFB Waddington, will provide the sustainment, engineering and design support services, reducing maintenance time and costs, and eliminating shipment back to the USA. Technologies covered will include Link 16 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals, and the AN/URC-138v1C Information Distribution System.
Jan 17/12: DOT&E testing report. The Pentagon releases the FY 2011 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). MIDS-JTRS is included, and the system is having problems. For starters, some core capabilities like Link 16 Enhanced Data Throughput, and the addition of more JTRS Software Communications Architecture waveforms, can’t be operationally tested, because of “host aircraft configurations and funding availability.”
Beyond that, the report cites the abysmal November 2010 tests on Super Hornet fighters (q.v., below), and ViaSat comes in for special criticism over the quality of its products:
“Post-test causality analysis indicated that manufacturing and quality control problems with ViaSat-produced MIDS JTRS terminals led to new failure modes discovered during IOT&E… Terminal reliability deficiencies [of 63.8 hours MTBF] were primarily found on ViaSat Terminals, as Data Link Solutions Terminals met the threshold requirement of 220 hours, although with a low (
July 2011 test data from the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance aircraft tests showed a preliminary pattern of effective Link 16 data and voice transmissions, but possible deficiencies with reliability, with imagery exchange, and with acknowledgements of JSTARS messages by other aircraft. Service Link 16 interoperability testing in December 2011 was meant to clarify.
ViaSat’s MIDS-JTRS quality criticized
FY 2011
Libya after-action report; Orders from USA, Australia, Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, Lithuania & Romania; Requests from UAE, Saudi Arabia; German Tornados adding MIDS; Major F/A-18 MIDS-JTRS test failures, but it’s approved for limited production buys.
Sept 22/11: UAE. The US DSCA announces [PDF] the United Arab Emirates’ official request to buy 107 MIDS-LVT/ LINK 16 terminals and associated equipment, parts, training and support. The compact MIDS-LVT assemblies would be installed on its F-16E/F fleet, as well as ground command and control sites, giving its air force a Link-16 network that would help UAE fighters share what they see with each other, and with related forces like American and Saudi AWACS aircraft, similarly-equipped allied fighters, etc.
If a contract is negotiated, it would include the systems, engineering/ integration services, aircraft modification and installation, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, repair and return support, personnel training, interface with ground command and control centers and ground repeater sites, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is up to $401 million.
The prime contractor is not set; this will be a competition between DLS and ViaSat. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to the UAE, which will be negotiated if a contract is signed and the program proceeds.
UAE request
Sept 7/11: Crypto upgrade. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command issues 2 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery orders for Block Cycle One cryptographic modernization updates to MIDS-JTRS. Both are sole-source acquisitions to the firms in the MIDS-JTRS program, through a March 29/10 synopsis on FBO.gov.
ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $14.1 million delivery order. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 6/13. $1.6 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year (N00039-10-D-0032).
DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $8 million delivery order. Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (90%), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (10%), and is expected to be completed by May 6/13 (N00039-10-D-0031).
July 18/11: Lot 12. DLS announces a direct commercial contract from the NATO Air Command and Control System Management Agency (NACMA) to provide MIDS-LVTs for Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania. The MIDS-LVT terminals are scheduled for delivery in early 2012.
No price or volume information is disclosed. Note that Lithuania has no air force, but can still use ground-based systems.
July 14/11: Lot 12. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $27.6 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for Production Lot 12 MIDS-LVTs, from the United States (97.6%) and the governments of Japan (2.3%) and Australia (0.1%).
The MIDS-LVT Lot 12 order includes LVT (1) airborne terminal variants for F/A-18, EA-18G, E-2D, P-3, EP-3E aircraft and MH-60R/S helicopters, along with terminals for the BACN program and U.S. Air Force applications. It also includes LVT (2) ground/air terminal variants for various US Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps applications, as well as terminals for Japan and spares for Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The order falls under the 5-year contract awarded in 2010. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2012, and continue through March 2013. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and various other sites worldwide (70%), and $3,080,705 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract via SPAWAR’s E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA manages the contract (N00039-10-D-0032). See also ViaSat.
July 14/11: Lot 12. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA received a $24 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, from the United States (91%) and the governments of Australia (6%) and Japan (3%).
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Jan 31/13. $1,015,448 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract via SPAWAR’s E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0031).
MIDS-LVTs
May 31/11: Libya after-action report. In the wake of a 2-day tour of the Rafale detachment at Solenzara, Corsica, Giovanni de Briganti of Defense Aerospace submits a report regarding their performance over Libya. Some of the tidbits that emerge illustrate the uses of Link-16:
“Data from all on-board and off-board sensors are combined into a single tactical picture presented to the pilot on the cockpit’s central color display or, if desired, on one of the lateral displays. The pilot can select the data he wants, combine it with other data, and pass it on to his wingman or to other allied aircraft, ships or ground troops through the Link 16, without speaking a single word on the radio and, if not using the radar, without any transmission whatsoever. Link 16 can also be used to de-conflict assignments with other aircraft without using radios.
To illustrate the Rafale’s networking capabilities, one pilot described how the aircraft can receive target coordinates from an AWACS or another aircraft via Link 16. To accept the assignment, the pilot pushes a button, and the [GPS] coordinates are automatically programmed into the AASM guided bombs, with no further action by the pilot who, once in range (up to 30 nautical miles), again pushes a single button to launch all three – or all six – AASMs to their individual targets.”
MIDS in Libya: French Rafales
Feb 7/11: Germany. EADS Cassidian discusses ongoing upgrades of German Luftwaffe Tornado strike/wild weasel aircraft to the ASSTA 3 (Avionics Software System Tornado Ada) standard. MIDS-LVTs are a key part of that upgrade, which also includes the latest generation radios, a digital video and voice recorder (DVDR), and the dual-guidance Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM). In January 2011, Cassidian in Manching, Germany began the flight testing of a Tornado with an ASSTA 3 hardware and software configuration approximating that of series production. MIDS testing in flight operations is a primary goal.
LJDAM integration and launch behavior has already been verified during test flights in Vidsel, Sweden, in September 2010. As of this release, EADS Cassidian has started to upgrade the first series aircraft in Manching, Germany, and deliveries are scheduled to start in mid-2012.
Feb 7/11: MIDS JTRS. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. in Wayne, NJ wins a $9.4 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for Link 16 Software In Service Support for the JPEO-JTRS Network Enterprise Domain. Support efforts include technical support, software maintenance/upgrades, and enhancements to baseline JTRS Link-16 software. This 2-year contract includes 3 one-year options, which could bring the cumulative value of the contract to $24.1 million.
Work will be performed in San Diego, CA (50%) and Wayne, NJ (50%), and work is expected to be completed Feb 6/13. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 2 viable offers received (N66001-11-D-0057).
Feb 2/11: MIDS JTRS. A pair of MIDS-JTRS contracts to ViaSat and DLS. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities website.
DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $8.2 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-JTRS. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by February 2012. $4.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11 (N00039-10-D-0031).
ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $6.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract for MIDS-JTRS. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30 percent), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by February 2012. $4.3 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11 (N00039-10-D-0032). The MIDS JTRS terminals are for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping planes, and EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. See also ViaSat.
MIDS JTRS contracts
Jan 31/11: MIDS JTRS approval. Despite testing results, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, US Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, signs the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminal Acquisition Decision Memorandum, approving it for Limited Production 2 procurement.
The MIDS Program Office is now authorized to allow MIDS JTRS to enter into a second Limited Production contract of 42 terminals for the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, as well as the Air Force’s EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft, and RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping aircraft. US Navy SPAWAR JPEO JTRS [PDF].
MIDS-JTRS approval
November 2010: F/A-18E/F Failures. The US Navy completes Initial Operational Test & Evaluation of the MIDS JTRS core terminal integrated into the F/A-18E/F. It doesn’t do very well, receiving a “not operationally effective and not operationally suitable” rating. How bad was it? This bad:
That’s a real problem, because all real-world F/A-18 missions require an operational Link 16 and Tactical Air Navigation capability. If that isn’t working, the plane is out of service. ViaSat comes in for special criticism over the quality of its products, and other deficiencies were traced to errors in the Link 16 waveform software code, poor terminal/ host system integration reliability, and inadequate aircrew and maintenance personnel training.
COTF began the F/A-18E/F MIDS JTRS Verification of Correction of Deficiencies testing on Aug 15/11, at Naval Air Station China Lake, CA. It was scheduled to conclude in December 2011. Source: 2011 DOT&E report.
MIDS-JTRS testing failures
Nov 25/10: Italy. BAE Systems announces a GBP 20 million (about $31 million) contract for 25 Tornado strike aircraft mid-life upgrade kits. Italian Air Force ECR (Electronic Combat/ Reconnaissance) and IDS (Interdictor/Strike) aircraft variants will be recipients of the new equipment, which includes new night vision compatible digital displays, and MIDS-LVTs. The kits will be installed by Alenia at their Caselle factory in Turin, Italy.
Italy Tornados
Oct 20/10: Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy up to 84 F-15SA Strike Eagle fighters, and retrofit its F-15S fleet, includes a request to buy 100 MIDS/LVTs and spares. Read “A 2010 Saudi Shopping Spree” for full coverage.
Saudi request
FY 2010
Orders from USA, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, & Sweden; Request from Taiwan; MIDS JTRS limited production order.
Sept 27/10: Lot 11. ViaSat Inc. announces an additional $5.5 million order for MIDS-LVTs and spares, in addition to the Lot 11 delivery orders noted on March 11/10.
This new Lot 11 add-on is for LVT (1), LVT (2), LVT (4), and LVT (11) terminals for U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force programs, and to support a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) requirement for the Commonwealth of Australia. Terminal deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2011.
MIDS-LVTs
Sept 09/10: JTIDS upgrades. DLS receives a $35.5 million cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract to implement Link 16 network upgrades for the legacy Link 16 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, the predecessor of the MIDS LVTs. Modifications for JTIDS terminal variants consist of crypto modernization and frequency remapping. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring its cumulative value to an estimated $37.3 million.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (90%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (10%), and is expected to be complete by November 2013. If all options are exercised, work could continue until March 2015. This contract (N00039-10-C-0090) was not competitively procured because DLS is the sole JTIDS manufacturer.
July 13/10: Testing. Tactical Communications Group, LLC announces a contract from Northrop Grumman’s E-8 JSTARS team for multiple TCG BOSS systems, in order to conduct comprehensive testing for Link 16 standards compliance by the new mission system and MIDS-JTRS terminals.
June 15/10: Sweden. DLS announces a $29.6 million MIDS-LVT order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, (FMV). The terminals will be installed on JAS-39 Gripen fighters, Erieye AEW&C airborne radar surveillance aircraft, and various ground and maritime applications. This contract continues a 10-year relationship between DLS and the Swedish military.
Deliveries begin later in 2010, and will continue through 2012. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Heidelberg, Germany.
Sweden JAS-39 Gripens
March 25/10: Lot 11. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a maximum $5.7 million firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for F-15 aircraft fighter data link system spare parts and installs, on behalf of Foreign Military Sales for Singapore (F-15SG), Japan (F-15J), and Saudi Arabia (F-15S, F-15C/D). There was originally one proposal solicited with one response, and the contract will run until June 30/11. The Defense Logistics Agency at Warner Robins Air Force Base, GA manages the contract (SPRWA1-10-C-0010).
March 11/10: Lot 11. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $21.5 million firm-fixed-price contract and delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, combining purchases for the USA (68%) and Germany (11%); and for Australia (18%) and South Korea (3%) under the Foreign Military Sales program.
Contract funds in the amount of $1.6 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by Feb 28/12. This contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce Web site, with 2 offers received, based on a synopsis released via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site (N00039-10-D-0032).
ViaSat’s March 25/10 release says that this new award includes LVT (1) terminal variants for F/A-18, P-3, and E-2D aircraft; and MH-60R/S helicopters, along with terminals for the BACN program and other U.S. Navy applications. The MIDS-LVT Lot 11 order also includes LVT (2) “ground” terminal variants for various U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Joint Forces applications, as well as terminals for Germany, Australia, and Korea.
March 11/10: Lot 11. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA, received a $20 million firm-fixed-price contract and delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, combining purchases for the United States (61%) and for the governments of Finland (22%), Japan (8%) and Saudi Arabia (9%) under the Foreign Military Sales program.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Feb 28/12. Contract funds in the amount of $3.2 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce Web site, with 2 offers received, based on a synopsis released via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site (N00039-10-D-0031). Rockwell Collins release
MIDS-LVTs
Jan 29/10: Taiwan. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Taiwan’s official request to buy 35 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-1), 25 MIDS On Ships Terminals, plus spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, training personnel training and training equipment, repair and return, software and hardware updates, publications and technical documentation, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering and support services. The estimated cost is $340 million.
By transmitting information to each other and filtering out duplications, Link 16 dramatically improves awareness, and can help to minimize friendly fire incidents. LVT-1 terminals are used in aircraft, as well as ground units like Patriot missile systems. They include both Tactical Air Navigation System, and voice capabilities.
The prime contractor will be selected through a competitive procurement conducted by the U.S. Government, involving ViaSat and the BAE Systems/ Rockwell Collins joint venture DLS. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives to participate in training, program management, and technical reviews.
Taiwan request
Jan 14/10: MIDS JTRS. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $14.4 million firm-fixed-price order for MIDS JTRS limited production terminals. The MIDS JTRS terminal is a software communications architecture compliant upgrade to the MIDS-LVT that supports legacy and advanced networking JTRS compliant waveforms enabling integrated navigation, identification, voice and data communications, information security, networking, and networking applications to meet US DoD software defined radio initiatives and requirements. ViaSat will perform the work in Carlsbad, CA (35%) and in various other sites within the US (65%), and expects to complete it by December 2010 (N00039-00-D-2101). ViaSat release.
Initial MIDS JTRS order
Jan 13/10: Mystery F-16s. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received an order valued at $4.8 million for MIDS-LVTs. This award resulted from a competitive procurement for 30 LVT (6) configuration terminals under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The order will be for MIDS-LVTs for the F-16 fighter jet, but it didn’t specify which country.
FY 2009
Orders from USA, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea & Switzerland; DLS’ German service facility; 1st MIDS JTRS delivery.
June 25/09: Lot 10. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a $28.9 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. It combines purchases for the USA (45%), Saudi Arabia (15%), Canada (10%), South Korea (8%), Switzerland (6%), Finland (6%), Poland (5%), Japan (4%), and Norway (1%).
See Sept 26/08 entry, re: Saudi Arabia’s request to equip its new Eurofighter Typhoons.
Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $425,983 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This delivery order was competitively procured, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site, after the synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site (N00039-00-D-2100).
June 23/09: Lot 10. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $21 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs that combines purchases for the United States (80%), Germany (13%), and Canada (7%). The Lot 10 production order includes LVT (1) terminal variants for F/A-18+ and E/A-18G aircraft, and MH-60R/S and CH-53K helicopters. The Lot 10 order also includes LVT (2) terminal variants for various U.S. Army and Air Force applications, as well terminals for Canada and Germany.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), in various other sites worldwide (70%). Contract funds in the amount of $3.9 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/09. Delivery of these units is expected to begin in July of 2010, and continue through the end of 2010 (N00039-00-D-2101). See also ViaSat release.
MIDS-LVTs
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