L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) has won up to $181 million contract to deliver Common Data Link Hawklink systems for use in a U.S. Navy helicopter.
L-3 announced Thursday that its Communications Systems-West division will produce the CDL Hawklink for the Navy’s MH-60 Romeo light airborne multi-purpose system helicopter.
Following a $141 million initial production contract awarded to L-3 in June 2009, this new award will provide for the full-rate production requirements of CDL Hawklink for 2012 to 2017.
According to the announcement, the Navy intends to award $28 million for the Hawklink program this year.
L-3’s Ku-Band CDL Hawklink system will enable the Romeo to share data with increased sensor capability and fully encrypted with warfare commands.
The high-speed digital data link transmits tactical video, radar and acoustic sensors data from the Romeo to its host surface ships.
Built with the AN/ARQ-59 airborne and the AN/SRQ-4 shipboard terminals, CDL Hawklink supports a full range of surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and recovery missions.
The CDL Hawklink can work in various platforms and delivers extended range, high data rates and proven operational reliability.
The 100th MH-60 helicopter was delivered to the Navy in 2011.
