BAE SYSTEMS invests in first southern hemisphere link 16 terminal test facility
17 Apr 2002
BAE Systems Australia and joint venture partner Rockwell Collins Australia are investing A$3 million to establish a test and maintenance facility for the latest generation of data link technology.
The facility will be the only one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, and will be able to support and maintain Link 16 JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System) and MIDS (Multifunction Information Distribution System) terminals that are going into service with the Australian Defence Force.
"Link 16 provides high bandwidth jam-resistant communications and our terminals are now being fitted to the Australian Defence Force's FFG ships and F/A-18 fighter aircraft," said Mr Jim Birrell, Business Development Manager - C3I.
Link 16 is a proven method of exchanging data between key assets at high speed. This data provides vital situational awareness, using and combining all available information to assure platform survivability and mission success.
"This technology is an important enabler for providing a complete battlespace picture for Australia," said Jim Birrell.
Link 16 is already used or being fitted to most of the United States and United Kingdom major platforms from submarines and surface ships to aircraft including Airborne Early Warning & Control platforms.
BAE Systems is investing in this new facility to support the large population of Link 16 terminals expected to be fielded in the Australian Defence Force.
"We are focussed on becoming Australia's leading provider of product and system solutions for Communications, Command, Control and Intelligence support," said Jim Birrell.
The BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins joint venture is called Data Link Solutions. BAE Systems developed the Link 16 technology at its North American business in Wayne NJ as part of a United States government program.
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