US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract for Network Tactical Common Data Links systems.

According to a press release published by BAE Systems on August 24, 2022, the U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $42.6m contract for the production of seven Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems.
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Artist rendering of the Network Tactical Common Data Links system (Picture source: BAE Systems)

NTCDL enables the U.S. Navy to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources and enables the exchange of command and control information over multiple data links. The systems will be installed on aircraft carriers and the new Constellation class frigates.

The NTCDL system enhances situational awareness and tactical battlefield advantage through real-time exchange of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video from a variety of sources: air, surface, subsurface, and man-portable.

BAE Systems’ solution is a modular, scalable system, designed to increase link capacity and embrace waveform evolution. With NTCDL, warfighters will support multiple, simultaneous, networked operations using currently fielded Common Data Links equipment, as well as next-generation manned and unmanned platforms.

The Constellation class is a class of multi-mission guided-missile frigates under development for the United States Navy as a follow-on to the modular littoral combat ship.

F/MM officials state that its class design is based on the Italian variant, which has a length of 496.1 feet (144,59 m), a beam of 64.6 feet (19.69 m), a draft of 28.5 feet ( 8.68 m) and a displacement of 6,900 tons.