Whether engaging an adversary with advanced weapons systems or responding to an asymmetrical attack, U.S. and allied NATO forces must make well-informed, interoperational decisions swiftly in hostile environments, requiring the exchange of great quantities of accurate, reliable data securely and in real time.
For more than two decades, Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture of BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins), has developed and produced the world standard in tactical data link technologies, creating affordable, high performance, high reliability Link 16 terminals for 40 different platforms in 30 allied countries, plus various NATO organizations. DLS is the only supplier that manufactures, delivers, and supports all Link 16 variants.
What is Link 16?
Link 16 is a standardized communications system for transmitting and exchanging real time tactical data using links between network participants, also known as TADIL J. It also uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) to provide multiple, simultaneous communication paths through different nets.
Link 16 is the standard by which other systems are measured for secure, airborne situational awareness. In fact, Link 16 has been credited by the U.S. Air Force as a key factor for saving lives in multiple theaters due to the increased situational awareness the system provides.
In contrast to other communications link waveforms, Link 16:
- Improves security
- Improves jam resistance
- Improves situational awareness
- Increases data throughput
- Increases capacity of information exchanged
Provides secure voice capability, relative navigation capability, and precise participant location and identification.
Worldwide Link 16 systems support
The strong legacy and dominant market position of DLS Link 16 solutions has allowed it to create innovative complementary integration, O-level, I-level, and D-level support solutions for each Link 16 terminal configuration. DLS is the logical choice for Link 16 support solutions.
DLS Link 16 support services include:
- Complete life cycle support
- Operational support
- Flight line through depot maintenance support
- Regional repair facilities
- Field service engineering
- Support equipment
- Training
- Technical information
- Repairs and spares
- Supply chain management
Learn more about Link 16 Products and Data Link Solutions (DLS). Visit the Data Link Solutions site today for complete details.
Link 16 products are produced by Data Link Solutions, a joint venture of BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace
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BAE Systems to develop filter technology to improve radar, communications, and electronic warfare capabilities
DARPA has awarded BAE Systems’ FAST LabsTM research and development organization a $6.5 million contract for the COmpact Front-end Filters at the ElEment-level (COFFEE) program. -
A milestone deliveryfor inauguralEC-37B Compass Call
A milestone delivery for Compass Call -
BAE Systems provides enhanced GPS technology for F-15 Eagle fighters
Better GPS signal reception and superior jamming immunity -
BAE Systems accelerates electronic warfare system production for F-15E and F-15EX Eagle fighter jets
State-of-the-art situational awareness and self-defense capabilities -
Production begins on Network Tactical Common Data Links for the U.S. Navy
NTCDL enter production phase -
BAE Systems to develop leap-forward technology for next-generation radar and communications systems
Technology can reduce the system from the size of a mini-fridge to the size of a quarter. -
BAE Systems to deliver advanced ballistic missile seekers
Designing and manufacturing next-generation IR seekers for THAAD interceptors -
Delivering advanced M-Code GPS products to Germany
The small, high-performance MPE-M provides assured Position, Navigation and Timing for applications where size, weight, and power are all critical factors. -
BAE Systems' Robotic Technology Demonstrator strikes ground target with APKWS® laser-guided rocket
BAE Systems’ Robotic Technology Demonstrator (RTD) successfully fired laser-guided rockets at multiple ground targets, with a human decision in the loop, during the U.S. Army’s tactical scenario at the EDGE 22 exercise at Dugway Proving Ground.
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Common data link (CDL) radiosComplete, affordable wideband wireless network radios for all domains.
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MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal
Gives pilots enhanced tactical capabilities, including improved situational awareness. -
MIDS Low Volume Terminal
The latest generation of Link 16 equipment, incorporating secure data, voice, tactical air navigation, and relative navigation functions -
MIDS on Ship (MOS)A low volume terminal (LVT) with high power output
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Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) interface simulator (MIS)
The MIDS interface simulator maximizes operational flight hardware and software integration testing.
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Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS)
MIDS JTRS is the Tactical Data Link (TDL) radio system everyone wanted…and has become the transformative, high capability radio that U.S. and Coalition forces don't want to be without. And its ramped-up production is making that possible. -
TacNet™ Tactical Radio (TTR)At one-fourth the size and weight of current terminals, our TacNet™ Tactical Radio (TTR) offers U.S. and NATO forces the smallest, most affordable, and greatest range available today.
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Data Link Solutions Support EquipmentSupport equipment for Link 16 products
Key Link 16 products
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Common data link (CDL) radiosComplete, affordable wideband wireless network radios for all domains.
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MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal
Gives pilots enhanced tactical capabilities, including improved situational awareness. -
MIDS Low Volume Terminal
The latest generation of Link 16 equipment, incorporating secure data, voice, tactical air navigation, and relative navigation functions
Communications, Navigation & Identification
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Link 16 Products
In network-centric warfare, allied forces can exchange great quantities of accurate, reliable data in real time, for a tactical edge when engaging well-armed adversaries. Our Link 16 products provide that edge.
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Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS)
MIDS JTRS is the Tactical Data Link (TDL) radio system everyone wanted…and has become the transformative, high capability radio that U.S. and Coalition forces don't want to be without. And its ramped-up production is making that possible.
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Network Tactical Common Data Link
NTCDL improves data exchange between platforms across land, sea, and air to provide warfighters with an integrated tactical network.
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Multiband Communications and Crypto Systems (MCC)
Battle-proven, multi-band, multi-mission tactical communications systems with secure, anti-jam capabilities.
Communications, Navigation & Identification
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Link 16 Products
In network-centric warfare, allied forces can exchange great quantities of accurate, reliable data in real time, for a tactical edge when engaging well-armed adversaries. Our Link 16 products provide that edge.
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Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS)
MIDS JTRS is the Tactical Data Link (TDL) radio system everyone wanted…and has become the transformative, high capability radio that U.S. and Coalition forces don't want to be without. And its ramped-up production is making that possible.
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Network Tactical Common Data Link
NTCDL improves data exchange between platforms across land, sea, and air to provide warfighters with an integrated tactical network.