Navy to spend $95 million on jamproof communications

The Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command has awarded a pair of delivery orders for multifunctional information distribution system terminals, according to a Defense Department statement.

Data Link Solutions LLC, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, joint venture of BAE Systems North America Inc. and Rockwell Collins Inc., won a $48.3 million contract. ViaSat Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif., received a $47.1 million deal.

The low-volume terminals (LVTs) provide secure, high-capacity, digital data and voice communications that are resistant to enemy jamming. They are used in Navy, Air Force and Army communications platforms.

The Navy is purchasing LVT1 terminals, which go into airborne platforms, and LVT2 terminals, which are land-based. ViaSat is the only provider of government-certified LVT2 terminals.

The terminals will go into a variety of platforms, including the F-16, F-18 and Thunderbolt II aircraft, and the Black Hawk helicopter. On land, the terminals will help power a variety of communications, including the Army Tactical Radio Communication System and the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System.

Paul Baca, ViaSat's vice president of tactical data links, said the order was the company's largest award of multifunctional information distribution system terminals.

"In addition, we are very happy with the continued growth of the LVT2 market for U.S. and coalition tactical systems," Baca said. "The unique features and interfaces in LVT2 make it ideal for ground-based and other non-fighter installations."

Included in the two Navy orders are purchases for the governments of Belgium, Canada, Japan, Poland, Switzerland and Taiwan. The Navy expects delivery to be completed by May 2006.