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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
	FY98 Annual Report

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Multifunction Information Distribution System Low Volume terminal (MIDS-LVT) is a communications, navigation, and identification system intended to support key theater functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination, and direction for all the Services and Allied forces. The system is to provide jamming-resistant, wide-area communications on a Link-16 network among MIDS and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) equipped platforms. MIDS is intended to improve joint interoperability, enhance battlefield situation awareness, ensure information superiority, and support precision engagement of threats for our forces over the forces of our enemies. This is true in both benign and electronic warfare conditions.

MIDS is the next generation Link-16 terminal, a smaller, lighter, less expensive, and more reliable improvement to the existing JTIDS terminals. An international consortium (MIDSCO) is developing the system with representation from U.S. and allied defense and aerospace companies. The first terminal delivery was April 1998. The system is still undergoing DT. OT in ships (the first Navy platform with MIDS) does not occur until March 1999. Platforms identified for MIDS-LVT integration include aircraft carriers, cruisers, F/A-18, F-16, EA-6B, and Airborne Laser. Additionally, MIDS-LVT is being integrated into EFA-2000 and Rafale Allied platforms. An initial operational assessment of MIDS (OT-IIA-1) in F/A-18s was conducted by the Navy COMOPTEVFOR in August 1996 using man-in-the-loop simulators. Only limited MIDS functionality was simulated in this test. However, the results were sufficient enough to recommend continuation of the MIDS integration into the F/A-18. As of the end of the calendar year, the MIDS-LVT is undergoing an Acquisition Strategy restructure. This new strategy is anticipated to yield a full-rate production decision in the 4QFY00 vice the earlier planned 4QFY99.

There was no operational test of MIDS-LVT in FY98. T&E activities focused on approval of the MIDS Joint TEMP. DOT&E recommended that the MIDS program conduct separate multi-Service developmental tests and multi-Service operational tests for each MIDS-equipped platform to evaluate joint interoperability before granting full-rate production of MIDS for that platform. DOT&E has been working with the OTAs from each Service to plan for such tests and to make sure that plans are adequately reflected in the MIDS Joint TEMP and the service annexes. The MIDS Joint TEMP and the Navy MIDS Capstone TEMP are still undergoing review and are not yet approved.

Although there has been no OT of MIDS-LVT, contractor testing and MIDSCO bench tests are underway. Additionally, an EOA was conducted on the MIDS Fighter Data Link (MIDS-FDL) from March-April 1998. MIDS-FDL has substantial commonality with MIDS-LVT (70 percent hardware and some common software). AFOTEC conducted the EOA. It consisted of the review of in-plant developer testing, confirmation of Year 2000 transition compatibility, and evaluation of contractor software development maturity. The EOA evaluated the MIDS-FDL terminals on a bench and in-flight in a specially configured C-130 aircraft. While not a test of the actual MIDS-LVT, given commonality among the FDL and MIDS-LVTs, these tests did provide an early indication of potential MIDS-LVT performance.

During initial contractor and bench tests, one keyboard failed low temperature tests and another board had to undergo redesign when incompatibilities were discovered during integration into the terminal. The MIDS-FDL EOA showed difficulty in conducting relative navigation and retention of crypto variable codes. Several problems were traced to boards inside the terminal that are common with MIDS-LVT. Two such boards are undergoing redesign and retesting.

While problems experienced to date are common early in a program, they have been sufficiently frequent to cause major delays (more than six months) in deliveries of key hardware components and key host software needed for all MIDS platforms. These delays are further complicated due to the international nature of the program. Several key hardware components currently experiencing difficulties are designed and manufactured by foreign companies. Hardware and software reliability represents moderate risk for this program and will require close monitoring.