The US
Air Force Research Laboratory(AFRL) has selected
Rockwell Collinsto lead Phase 1 of a research and development effort under the Miniature Common Data Link (Mini-CDL) programme.
This initiative is aimed at miniaturising Ku-band radio technology and developing a terminal capable of supporting Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS).
‘Employing miniaturisation technologies in the development of the Mini-CDL system will significantly impact the communications industry by offering superior data link performance and flexibility for reduced cost, size, and power consumption,’ said Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Communication Systems for Rockwell Collins.
‘While the benefits will be realised in all communications areas, the SUAS and UAS programmes will be among the first programmes to reap the rewards of our work.’
Rockwell Collins is working with Cubic Defense Applications to develop the Mini-CDL system, and Softronics will assist with the development. The first phase of the development will use digital and RF technologies including system-on chip-modems and other technologies to achieve a small, affordable, low-power, low-weight tactical solution.
The goal is to develop CDL terminals that meet the payload restrictions of SUAS platforms and enable data link communication with existing ground systems.
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