The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has awarded a contract to Cubic for the development of a common data link (CDL) for unmanned platforms.
Under the terms of the $1.8m contract, the company will work on phase one of a two-phase programme to complete a specified portion of the waveform development for a next-generation CDL, called bandwidth efficient common data link (BE-CDL Rev B), for small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS).
Go deeper with GlobalData
The BE-CDL Rev B system is expected to be used for the communication of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and command-and-control (C2) data from unmanned aircraft to other military communications devices.
Specifically, the data link will maintain full CDL capability and transmit full-motion video and sensor feeds from unmanned aircraft.
Cubic Defense Systems president Dave Schmitz said: "We strive to continually provide innovative communications solutions to our customers and we are proud to be selected to provide a BE-CDL Rev B solution.
"With our offering, we provide a robust, low-latency, high-capacity network supporting tomorrow’s needs today."
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataA significant number of US ISR platforms are anticipated to support BE-CDL Rev B links in the future.
The CDL system is versatile and has already secured the joint interoperability test command (JITC) specification compliance verification.
Cubic claims the development of BE-CDL Rev B would ensure secure and expeditious SUAS ISR and C2 data transmissions, while using a narrower swath of RF frequencies than the currently used standard CDL (STD-CDL) links.
Other companies working on the phase I include BAE Systems, L-3 Communications, Real Time Logic and Rockwell Collins.
INL is dedicated to supporting the US Department of Energy’s missions in nuclear and energy research, science and national defence domains.
