Lockheed Martin [LMT] selected L-3 [LLL] to provide its MICRO Secure Digital Data Link (MICRO SDDL) as the secure command & control and ISR communications backbone for the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) digital Desert Hawk III DDL small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) platform, L-3 said on Monday.
L-3 SCM said the MICRO SDDL transceivers enable peak utilization of frequency spectrum through a single RF channel supporting an IP-based bidirectional TDMA secure communications link.
The transceiver provides a durable uplink/downlink for unmanned vehicles, generating video surveillance or two-way data communications.
The MICRO SDDL is four cubic inches, weighs less than 2.5 ounces, and consumes 12 watts of total power at full RF transmit power.
“After extensive evaluation of available wireless communication systems, we selected the MICRO SDDL for its performance and versatility to meet program requirements for our digital Desert Hawk III DDL SUAS offering to the U.K. MoD,” Kevin Westfall, director of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training Unmanned Solutions business area, said in a statement.
Dennis Burman, director of business development at L-3’s Southern California Microwave unit, which won the contract, added “L-3 is proud to be once again selected to provide communications support for this MoD program. Our MICRO SDDL is a very flexible, reliable and robust wireless communications system that meets the demanding performance requirements of SUAS systems such as the Desert Hawk III DDL.”