Data Link Solutions Awarded Multi-functional Informational Distribution System Fighter Data Link Lot 3 Production

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 31, 2001) -  Data Link Solutions, L.L.C. (DLS), a BAE SYSTEMS/Rockwell Collins company, has been awarded a contract extension by the Multi-functional Informational Distribution System (MIDS) International Program Office (IPO). The MIDS IPO has increased MIDS Fighter Data Link (FDL) Lot 3 procurement to 176 systems, with contract award totaling $33US million.

When added to Lot 1 and Lot 2 awards, DLS has been awarded production of 697 MIDS FDL systems, with a total value of more than $120 million. High rate production begins in September 2001 and is scheduled to be completed in 2004. In April 2001, DLS successfully completed pilot production of the terminal for entrance into full rate production.

The FDL was designed for integration into U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft to provide pilots with enhanced tactical capabilities, including greatly improved situational awareness. Additionally, it provides the aircrew with immediate access to critical information, including friendly, unknown and enemy flight data, and key data elements such as location, direction of flight, altitude and type of aircraft. This data allows tracking of an aircraft’s position and status without voice transmission.

Data Link Solutions is the premier full-service supplier of Link 16 terminals and systems integration, software, logistics and support services for Link 16 equipped air, land and sea-based platforms. Link 16 provides real time data communications, situational awareness and navigation, and digital voice, in a jam resistant, crypto secured manner. Command Control (C2) users include U.S., UK, NATO, French and Japanese Airborne Warning and Control System platforms, U.S. Navy Airborne Early Warning platforms, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS), U.S. Navy carriers, cruisers, surface combatants and submarines, and various Air Defense Ground Environments.

# # #

DLS-NR-2