L-3 Communications Completes Successful Net-Centric Multi-Platform Common Data Link Flight Test
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NEW YORK --Sept. 12, 2006--L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Communication Systems-West (CS-West) division has successfully completed preliminary flight tests of an IP-enabled, wideband Multi-Platform Common Data Link (MP-CDL) system. The tests validated operation of the MP-CDL airborne system in a hub-spoke network configuration, including fully automatic acquisition, tracking and control over both power and data rate. The airborne hub transmitted real-time data to two MP-CDL spoke terminals on the ground, mixing real-time video streams from an L-3 Wescam 12DS 200 camera and a cockpit webcam with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone traffic and other sources. Data rates varied up to 137 Mb/s on the outbound link and up to 67 Mb/s on the inbound link.
In addition to reliable performance over multiple demonstration and test flights, the MP-CDL demonstrated interoperability with L-3's manpackable ROVER III terminal, validating its ability to provide real-time, full-motion video through these net-centric terminals directly to warfighters on the ground. The MP-CDL systems are now being integrated into two KC-135 aircraft at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico in preparation for additional net-centric capability demonstrations, which will include point-to-point, air-to-air, multiple-hub and hub-handoff capabilities.
"Successful completion of the MP-CDL preliminary flight test milestone is significant for the entire ISR community, because it proves an airborne system is available today to support high capacity net-centric operations," said Curtis Brunson, president and chief operating officer of CS-West. "This demonstration showed networking functionality for transferring ISR data between nodes in a network along with traffic supporting operational command and control activities."
CS-West, located in Salt Lake City, UT, is the preeminent supplier of wideband data links and mobile surface and airborne satellite terminals for military applications in the world. CS-West has over 50 years of experience in providing robust, mobile microwave, satellite terminals and wideband data links for airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.
L-3 Communications
Cynthia Swain
212-697-1111
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Financial Dynamics
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Evan Goetz
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