L-3 Communications Systems-West of Salt Lake City recently named EMS Technologies, Atlanta, as its antenna supplier for an upgrade of the U.S. Navy’s Hawklink, the common data link (CDL) used by the service’s carrier-based MH-60R helicopters.
The EMS Ku-band CDL antenna provides extended range, high data rates and high reliability, according to EMS. The company said its Defense & Space Division won a $6.3 million initial production contract from L-3 Communications Systems-West for the antennas. Initial deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of 2010.
The AN/ARQ-59 system, which includes the EMS antenna, will increase the Hawklink’s data rates to 22 megabits per second at more than 185 kilometers, supporting surveillance, warfare and recovery missions, EMS said.