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Tactical common data link (TCDL)
To achieve the information dominance called for in Joint Vision 2020, wideband data must be exchanged rapidly and accurately through battlefield networks to allow friendly forces to quickly assess and effectively respond to threats.
BAE Systems and Harris Corporation have teamed together as a Department of Defense (DoD) -certified tactical common data link (TCDL) supplier. TCDL terminals provide the critical wideband data link required for real-time situational awareness and real-time sensor and targeting data to tactical commanders.
TCDL is designed and specified to be common data link (CDL) -compliant to provide interoperability with other DoD and NATO CDL systems. A TCDL system consists of an airborne data terminal and a ground or surface data terminal. BAE Systems' commercial, off-the-shelf-based, open systems architecture designs maximize commonality between air and surface terminals.
A modular, open systems architecture using programming technology is the cornerstone of the BAE Systems TCDL solution. This maximizes interoperability and operational flexibility as BAE Systems markets into all three DoD services.
TCDL has proven its effectiveness in transmitting encrypted wideband data to command and control centers. Operating on the Predator UAV and in the tactical UAV risk reduction, the TCDL has demonstrated high data rate point-to-point communication at 10.71 Mbps. As a result of ongoing IRAD and the U.S. Navy LAMPS program, these rates will expand to 45 and 274 Mbps.
TCDL has also demonstrated extended communication range in the extended littoral battlefield exercise as far as 300 miles. This dramatically reduced sensor to C2 to shooter timelines, and strengthened the U.S. Navy's WARNET. BAE Systems’ wideband data link provides immediately-available operational capability, allowing distributed collaborative planning and situational awareness to the warfighter. These data link waveforms allow friendly forces to exchange vastly-increased quality and quantity of data.
BAE Systems’ success validates the maturity and capability of the company’s adaptive, scalable, wideband networking solutions.
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Ager
Director of Business Development
Tel: +1 973 633 6140
christopher.a.ager@baesystems.com
