Data Links

Air warfare and joint allied operations need to share ever-greater volumes of data, more securely and in a timely manner, between increasing numbers of authorised users. Requirements include: 

• Sharing the Common Operational Picture (COP) in real time between more and more users, with allied interoperability 
• Exchanging sovereign electronic warfare data between selected players
• Capturing real-time Full Motion Video (FMV) from combat aircraft, helicopters or UAVs
• Guaranteeing connectivity with UAVs for command & control and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) applications
• Delivering collaborative solutions by networking EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) data from multiple sensors to determine precise threat coordinates.

Thales data link products and solutions meet all these needs and more, offering customers the following key benefits:

• Full NATO/US interoperability and compliance with STANAG 5516, 5522, 7085, 4660 and other NATO standards
• Customisation to comply with national requirements, with the involvement of local Thales companies or national sovereign partners
• Low SWAP-C (Size Weight and Power – Cost) for easy deployment and transportation in ruggedised military crates
• Certified for all security requirements (restricted, secret, etc.)
• Off-the-shelf solutions and products, combat proven on multiple aircraft types including combat aircraft, helicopters, special mission aircraft and UAVs.

Thales's family of data link solutions and products includes:

• NATO-compliant Tactical Data Links (TDLs) including Link 16 and MIDS-LVT, Link 11, Link 22 and VMF (Variable Message Format), and national secure TDLs such as LU2 / LCALL, all designed for sharing situational awareness, digital command & control, etc.
• Wide Band Data Links (WBDL) for command & control (C2) of UAVs, very high-data-rate transmission of mission data, Full Motion Video (FMV), safe and cybersecure MUM-T applications.