MELBOURNE, Fla., 16 Jan. 2010. — An advanced data link developed by Harris Corp. (NYSE: HRS) and ViaSat (NASDAQ: VSAT) for Boeing's proposed Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB II) program completed risk-reduction tests, receiving National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 certification.
The SDB II Weapon Data Link (WDL) will connect the munitions to tactical networks, allowing operators to engage moving targets on the ground even after a munition is launched. Harris demonstrated the system using Link-16 and Combat Net Radio UHF transmissions as part of the SDB II risk reduction program. In both Link-16 and UHF modes, the munition's messaging protocol – a critical requirement for network-enabled weapons – was demonstrated.
The Harris Small Secure Network Terminal (SSNT), a network-enabled radio using a software communications architecture (SCA), received National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 certification. Type 1 certification means the Weapon Data Link is able to communicate secret-level classified information. The Harris Sierra II encryption technology provides the foundation for this level of information security.
"Type 1 certification was completed prior to the EMD phase of the program to mitigate any remaining risk," says Wes Covell, president of Harris Defense Programs. "Type-1 certification ensures our warfighters will have the highest levels of information security for the network-enabled munitions they'll rely on in the future."
"SDB II provides the warfighter the ability to attack mobile targets from stand-off distances in adverse weather conditions," says Dan Jaspering, director of Direct Attack Weapons for Boeing Weapons Programs. "NSA certification and the Link 16 and UHF Over the Air (OTA) demonstrations complete three key risk items on the program and help pave the way for transition to the EMD phase."
Harris and teammate ViaSat will provide the dual waveform data link to Boeing for the joint U.S. Air Force and Navy SDB II program.
