Jump to content

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 205.175.226.14 (talk) at 17:05, 24 September 2014. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the NATO name for the communication component of Link-16.

MID is an advanced command, control, communications, computing and intelligence (C4I) system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical information, including both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea elements. MIDS is intended to support key theater functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination and direction for all Services.

The MIDS program includes two different MIDS systems:

  • MIDS-LVT(Low volume terminal), and
  • MIDS-JTRS(Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals).[1]

MIDS-JTRS is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) that is compliant with the JTRS Software Communication Architecture (SCA). MIDS JTRS maintains the Link-16, J-Voice, and TACAN functionality of the older MIDS-LVT standard, and addes link-16 enhanced troughput (ET), link-16 frequency remapping (FR), and programmable crypto. [2]


MIDS Components

=MIDS-LVT

The MIDS-LVT terminal consists of two different Line Replacement Units (LRUs): the Main Terminal and the Remote Power supply (RPS). The Main Terminal consists of 10 Shop Replaceable Units (SRUs):

In addition there are a few accessories required by some specific platforms:

The MIDS_LVT terminal is based on the TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) data-link technology with 128 time slot per second; during each time slot, only one terminal is allowed to transmit while all the other terminals on the same network are set to receive. To improve the anti-jamming capability signals are spread over 51 frequencies in the 960-1215 MHz frequency band; transmission is inhibited around the two IFF band (1030 and 1090 MHz.). The maximum output power of the terminal is 200 Watts which allows an operational range of 300 miles; range can be extended using the relay feature.

The MIDS_LVT terminal is equipped with four different interfaces to communicate with the host platform:

Data rate can vary between 108 and 238 kbps, depending on the interface used. Secure voice messages are available with two different rates: 16 kbps and 2.4 kbps. The MIDS SW consists of two main configuration items:

  • Core SW (basically a modified JTIDS SW), which handles the LINK-16 messages;
  • Tailored Input/Output (I/O) SW, which handles communications with the host platform.

MIDS Terminals exchange communication data with an on board computer platform known as the Host which will format, filter, and/or condition commuication data for presentation.

Variations of MIDS

MIDS-JTRS

MIDS-JTRS is a Software Defined Radio that is compliant with the JTRS Software Communication Architecture (SCA).

=MIDS-LVT

The MIDS family includes 3 main variants.

  • LVT(1), which was developed for integration on a multitude of surface and airborne platforms, and is characterized by PhEN 3910, MIL-STD-1553B, Ethernet, and X.25 physical interfaces, and the adoption of both Voice and TACAN functions.
  • LVT(2) was developed by the US, specifically to satisfy the requirements set by the US Army. This terminal is characterized by unique power supply and blower systems, and by the Army Data Distribution System Interface (ADDSI) X.25 interface.
  • FDLT or LVT(3) (Fighter Data Link Terminal) specifically developed to meet the requirements of F-15 fighter platforms.

Additional variants:

  • MoS (MIDS On Ship) designed for rack mounting (in place of JTIDS), with specific power supply and high power amplifier units.

Overall 11 different variants of the MIDS-LVT are known.

One commonly used instantiation of an MIDS is the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) which has been funded by the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain and developed by MIDSCO, a joint venture by Thomson CSF, GEC, Siemens, Italtel, and Enosa. Another such terminal is the MIDS-JTRS (MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System), which is currently under development by the United States. An older MIDS is the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Currently, there are three production lines, which are competitors: ViaSat, Inc (USA), Data Link Solutions LLC (USA), and EuroMIDS (Europe).

Variations of MIDS-LVTs[3][4]
Families Terminal Type Specification Function interface Platforms
L×W×H [cm] Weight
[kg]		 Max Power Output
[Watt]		 Link-16
IJMS		 Voice TACAN 1553 X.25 Ethernet
(3) MIDS-LVT(3)
USQ-140(V)3(C)		 Term: 34×19×19
RPS: 34×6×19		 Term: 16.8
RPS: 3.5		 50 × × ・McDonnell Douglas F-15
・Mitsubishi F-15J
・UCAVs
(1) MIDS-LVT(1)
USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1840		 Term: 22.2
RPS: 6.5		 200
(1000W with HPAG) 		× × Platform D ・Northrop Grumman E-2D
・McDonnell Douglas F/A-18
・Eurofighter Typhoon
・Dassault Rafale
MIDS-LVT(4)
USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1841 		・Saab JAS 39
・Ground
MIDS-LVT(5)
USQ-140(V)5(C) RT-1841		 ・Maritime
・AWACS
MIDS-LVT(6)
USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1842		 200 × ・Lockheed AC-130
・General Dynamics F-16
MIDS-LVT(7)
USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1843		 ・Northrop Grumman B-2
(2)/(11) MIDS-LVT(2)
USQ-140(V)2(C) RT-1785		 Term: 34×19×19
Overall: 63×33×21		 Term: 17.4
PSA: 11.6
Cooling Unit: 4.6
Mounting Base: 3.1 		× Platform J ・Ground forces
MIDS-LVT(11)
USQ-140(V)11(C) RT-1868 		× ・TACP

References

  • Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations (UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED), Roberto Sabatini (MAJ Italian Air Force) et al.
  1. ^ U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013-2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013
  2. ^ U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013-2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013
  3. ^ Data Link Solutions LLC (2009). "DLS Platforms - Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  4. ^ Data Link Solutions (2010). "DLS MIDS FDL". Retrieved January 2, 2012.

See also

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Multifunctional_Information_Distribution_System&oldid=626918053"