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US Navy’s Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) Program provides the ability to transmit/receive real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data simultaneously from multiple sources (surface, air, sub-surface, man-portable), and exchange command and control information (voice, data, imagery, and Full Motion Video (FMV)) across dissimilar Joint, Service, Coalition, and civil networks.
NTCDL provides warfighters with the capability to support multiple, simultaneous, networked operations with currently fielded Common Data Link (CDL)-equipped platforms (e.g. F/ A-18, P-3, and MH-60R), in addition to next generation manned and unmanned platforms (e.g., P-8, Triton, UCLASS, and Fire Scout).
NTCDL is an incremental capability (surface, airborne, sub-surface, man-portable) providing a modular, scalable, multiplelink networked communications. NTCDL benefits the fleet by providing horizon extension for line-of-sight sensor systems for use in time critical strike missions.
NTCDL counters Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) through its relay capability, and supports Tasking Collection Processing Exploitation Dissemination (TCPED) through its ISR networking capability. Additionally, NTCDL supports Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) efforts through its ability to share ISR data across dissimilar Joint, Service, Coalition, and Civil organizations.
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth up to $84.7 million
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth up to $84.7 million to provide the U.S. Navy with Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) System. Initial systems will be installed on Navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships.
NTCDL enhances the Navy’s situational awareness and tactical battlefield advantage through a real-time exchange of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video from a variety of sources: air, surface, subsurface, and man-portable. With NTCDL, warfighters will be able to support multiple, simultaneous networked operations using currently fielded Common Data Link (CDL) equipment, as well as next-generation manned and unmanned platforms.
“Our technology enables greater and faster delivery of tactical communications and information-sharing to help the Navy maintain its maritime advantage,” said Brian Walters, vice president and general manager of Electronic Combat Solutions at BAE Systems. “We’re providing a technology that will create a pathway to more advanced capabilities.”
NTCDL is a modular, scalable system designed to increase link capacity and embrace waveform evolution. The technology uses open systems architecture with non-proprietary interfaces, and is reprogrammable so that it can adapt to new and evolving mission needs.
As the program’s prime contractor, BAE Systems will work with partner Ball Aerospace to advance the two companies’ joint Multi Link CDL Systems development efforts. The work will be performed primarily at BAE Systems’ facilities in Wayne, New Jersey and Greenlawn, New York.
Ball Aerospace to deliver phased-array antennas for US Navy’s NTCDL
Ball Aerospace has received a new contract for the delivery of multi-beam phased-array antennas for the US Navy’s network tactical common data link (NTCDL) system. The company was awarded the deal for the development of the Ku-band phased array antenna suite by BAE Systems.
The NTCDL system provides multiple, simultaneous, high-bandwidth communications links, which are intended to help improve the US Navy’s current vessel protection and mission capabilities. It is also slated to facilitate the development of a future sensor network across the navy.
Ball Aerospace’s multi-beam, planar-phased-array antennas are based on silicon germanium (SiGe) technologies using a single circuit board, which result in a low-profile antenna system.
Ball’s internal research and development (IRAD) investments, together with investments from the ONR, have furthered the availability of the phased-array antenna capability within the military market.
The phased-array antennas are initially planned for integration on-board the US Navy’s aircraft carriers in order to enable the NTCDL system to communicate with a wide range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
The current contract forms the first phase of the programme and will involve low-rate initial production for the hardware. Corresponding engineering support services will also be provided as part of the deal.
References and Resources also include
https://ieee.li/bolstering-u-s-navys-ability-share-critical-isr-data/
https://bizwest.com/2018/02/27/ball-work-bae-new-communications-tech-navy/
