Cubic to produce new MQ-8C data link
Cubic Defense Applications has announced that it received a contract from Northrop Grumman to produce a new multiband digital data link system for the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. The contract, worth $3.7 million, was announced 21 August 2012.
According to Cubic, the data link uses smaller and lighter components to do the mission-critical job of transferring full-motion video and data from the aircraft to ground forces and surface ships.
Cubic's ISR data link systems use radio frequency (RF) technology with open standard waveforms to transfer data and stream video to provide situational awareness before, during and after combat operations; enabling the high-speed transfer of information.
The system's robust, modular architecture includes simple open-standard interfaces and a software-defined transceiver, using a data link with a smaller size and weight and reduced power consumption than is now used on the MQ-8B variant.
An integral component of the new system is Cubic's Multiband Miniature Transceiver, or MMT. The MMT enables simultaneous Ku band and C band transmissions using dual data streams. The MMTs included in the Dual Channel Modem subassembly are small enough for Soldiers and Marines to carry in the webbing of their tactical vests, allowing for easier transport for ground troops.
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