Farnborough International Airshow
– General Dynamics Mission Systems–UK has worked closely with Leonardo Helicopters, previously known as AgustaWestland, to develop and integrate a Link 16 datalink system for the first export variant of the AW159 Wildcat helicopter.The advanced Link 16 datalink system is one of the most advanced for a rotary platform, providing a full Command and Control surveillance solution. Link 16 is a multinational datalink system that allows Armed Forces to exchange their tactical picture in near-real time.
In 2015, the Link 16 system for the export variant of the AW159 helicopter successfully completed the Standard Conformance Test, which is a detailed, independent review of the datalink system conducted by a US military organisation, the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC). This will allow the Link 16 datalink equipped AW159 to join an open live network.
In recent months, the export variant of the AW159 helicopter has flown with an operational Link 16 datalink system, and it has provided valuable feedback to the teams delivering the datalink system in terms of navigational accuracy and network stability.
Steve Rowbotham, vice president of General Dynamics Missions Systems–UK, said: “We are delighted to continue working closely with Leonardo Helicopters in the delivery of world-leading systems for its first export variant of the AW159 helicopter. General Dynamics Mission Systems-UK has a pedigree in the delivery of Link 16 datalink systems, alongside other advanced avionic systems, for customers worldwide and we will continue to develop these systems to meet our customers’ requirements.”
General Dynamics Mission Systems–UK is also delivering the Tactical Processors and Security Enhanced Data Transfer Units for installation on Leonardo Helicopters first export variants of the AW159 helicopters. Both products are currently integrated into the UK Ministry of Defence Leonardo Helicopters AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter platforms.
General Dynamics Mission Systems–UK is a key provider of technology onto Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado and the Leonardo Helicopters AW101 Mk 3/Mk4 and UK AW159 Lynx Wildcat platforms. The company has more than 50 years’ experience providing advanced electronic solutions for the air, maritime and land markets.
Please visit the General Dynamics area at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow, which can be found at Facility J3 on J row.
About General Dynamics UK
General Dynamics United Kingdom (General Dynamics UK) has two primary lines of business: Land Systems and Mission Systems. General Dynamics UK works in partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing the nation’s primary land capabilities including, amongst others, Bowman, the British Armed Forces tactical communications programme, and AJAX, the replacement for the British Army’s reconnaissance vehicle fleet. The company also delivers avionics equipment used in rotary and fixed wing platforms, highly integrated mission and video management systems, flexible stores management systems, data link processing and video and data recorders for UK and international customers.