Data Link Solutions Awarded $15.4 Million Contract to Provide the MIDS On Ship System for U.S. Navy.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003

- System is the first 1 kilowatt MIDS terminal

to be integrated on a command, control platform

Data Link Solutions (DLS), a BAE SYSTEMS/Rockwell Collins company, has been awarded a $15.4 million contract by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to provide the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) On Ship System (MOS) for the U.S. Navy.

The MOS is the first 1 kilowatt MIDS terminal to be integrated on a command and control platform. It will provide real-time secure, high capacity, jam resistant digital Link 16 data and voice communications capabilities for U.S. Navy ships, increasing situational awareness for these forces.

The initial contract includes seven systems, with potential for as many as 50 during the next seven years. The first terminals will be delivered 3rd Qtr 2004. Future requirements include U.S. Navy and coalition navies.

Link 16 provides real-time, jam resistant secure transfer of combat data, voice and relative navigation information between widely dispersed battle elements. Participants gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time, reducing the chance of fratricide, duplicate assignments or missed targets. Each participant in the communication link is able to electronically see the battle space, including assigned targets or threats.

Data Link Solutions (DLS) was established in 1996 by BAE SYSTEMS and Rockwell Collins (NYSE:COL) to pursue next-generation Link 16 applications. With a heritage of more than 20 years of design and production experience of over 2000 systems, DLS has also produced more than 500 MIDS terminals, providing situational awareness to fighter aircraft and sea-based platforms. DLS is also a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and systems integration, software, logistics and support services. Its product offerings include the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) Class 2 family, the Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) LVT-1 Low Volume terminal and MIDS Fighter Data Link (FDL), and the URC-138 SHAR (U.K. Sea Harrier/Sea King) Link 16 terminal.