To be effective in executing their missions, warfighters must have knowledge of their location relative to others, both friendly and hostile, and must be able to share this information on a real-time basis. Tactical data links are the communication systems that meet these needs. They provide interoperability, local and global connectivity and situational awareness by linking two or more command and control or weapons systems via a network architecture. Rockwell Collins has been a pioneer and a leader in the development of multiple generations of tactical data links.

Link 11/22
Our Link 11/22 data terminals combine advanced technologies in real-time processor architectures with highly-efficient signal processing algorithms. The net result is a series of cost-effective digital data communication terminals that provide several North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries with Link 11 and Link 22 capabilities over HF and UHF. Link 11 is NATO's most used tactical data link, while Link 22 is the NATO Navies' emerging standard.

Link 16 - The advantage every warfighter needs
As the primary interoperable data link for U.S. and coalition forces, Link 16 presents an at-a-glance portrayal of targets, threats and friendly forces on an easy-to-understand, relative-position display. Link 16 provides near real-time, jam-resistant data communications, integrating all command and control data to include the sharing of targeting data between aircraft and Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP). Users gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over this common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated. Each Link 16 participant is able to electronically see the battlespace, including assigned targets and threats.

Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, delivers a series of Link 16 data link products including Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) and Multifunction Information Distribution Systems (MIDS).

JTIDS
Data Link Solutions (DLS) provides the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), which provides real-time jam-resistant secure transfer of combat information and relative navigation data between widely-dispersed battle elements. JTIDS Link 16 users gain situational awareness by exchanging voice and digital data over a common communication link that continuously and automatically updates in real time. Used by NATO and allied countries around the world, JTIDS is the first-generation fielded system that provides terminal configuration Link 16 capabilities for airborne, ground and shipboard users. DLS has delivered over 1,000 JTIDS terminals to date.

MIDS
The Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) is an international program led by the U.S. that encompasses all critical combat assets involved in a coalition theater of operations. DLS delivers the MIDS terminal, which is a series of high performance, best-value second-generation Link 16 solutions. These open-architecture terminals bring an affordable, flexible Link 16 solution for all operational applications on fixed and rotary wing, ground fixed, transportable, mobile and maritime platforms. DLS is also under contract  to transition the MIDS to be compliant with the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Software Communications Architecture (SCA), enabling the warfighter to meet evolving requirements in real-time. DLS has delivered more than 3,000 MIDS terminals to users worldwide.

Contact Rockwell Collins to learn more about the solutions we can provide to you.