BAE Systems Conducts Successful Demonstration of 'FAST' Waveform.WAYNE, N.J. -- BAE Systems has completed another successful demonstration of its Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST) networking waveform. FAST, an effort to modernize the NATO-standard Link 16 computer data exchange format, is a wireless networking protocol developed for airborne tactical networking. The demonstration included Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, Voice over IP, mobile ad-hoc networking, streaming video, and imagery. The demonstration was part of an $8 million contract performed in concert with SRA International Inc., prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base Hanscom Air Force Base, initially and briefly designated Bedford Army Air Base, is a U.S. Air Force facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. It is the headquarters of the Electronic Systems Center (ESC), one of the product centers of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). , Massachusetts. "The test demonstrates the capability to modernize Link 16 to operate in a net-centric environment today," said Joseph McCarthy, vice president and general manager of communications and tactical networks for BAE Systems. The demonstration was conducted on the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS MIDS Multifunctional Information Distribution System MIDS Matrix Information and Directory Services (USA) MIDS Multifunction Information Distribution System MIDS Municipal Infrastructure Data Standard ) Fighter Data Link terminals and the MIDS Low Volume Terminals, modified to be FAST-compatible. MIDS is the NATO NATO: see North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO in full North Atlantic Treaty Organization International military alliance created to defend western Europe against a possible Soviet invasion. name for the communication component of Link 16. Personnel from the Aeronautical aer·o·nau·tic also aer·o·nau·ti·cal adj. Of or relating to aeronautics. aer  o·nau Systems Center, Global Cyberspace Integration Center, Space
and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command The Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, is the part of the United States Navy which provides materiel support for naval aircraft and airborne weapon systems, such as guided missiles. NAVAIR was established in 1966 as the successor to the Navy's Bureau of Naval Weapons (BuWeps). , and other
agencies attended the demonstration.
The event follows a FAST flight demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base Eglin Air Force Base is the home of the United States Air Force 96th Air Base Wing of the Air Force Materiel Command, and is also headquarters for more than 45 associate units. , Florida, in March 2006, which demonstrated the ability to add high-speed Internet Protocol connectivity to the MIDS Fighter Data Link. FAST provides network-centric operation for situational awareness and rapid decision-making in airborne tactical environments. FAST is being developed as a cost-effective solution available to all U.S. and coalition forces, providing a real-time exchange of multimedia communications including data, voice, and video. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . BAE Systems, with 96,000 employees worldwide, had 2006 sales that exceeded $27 billion on a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings, Inc. for the whole of 2006. |
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