Support and Enhancement of TIGER / MLST3 tactical data link test equipment

Descriptions

Summary the services: The Authority intends to procure support for its currently deployed TIGER / MLST3 tactical data link test equipment. Services shall be provided for 5 years commencing 2021., Technology: Tactical data link (TDL) is a communications technology utilizing radio waves or cable used by the U.S. armed forces and NATO nations. Tactical data link technology has various forms (Link 16, etc.) , MOD MML Project: The Maritime Multi-Link (MML) Project will provide Royal Navy warships with the Tactical Data Link System (TDLS), to provide enhanced operational capability to interoperate with NATO and other coalition partners and allies. The Tactical Data Link System will comprise MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) equipment. , Purpose of current test equipment (MLST3 and TIGER): Tactical Data Links are required to be tested in order to verify their correct operation. The currently used test equipment (MLST3 and TIGER) are TDL test tools that support the development and testing of Data Link Processors (DLP) in the following areas:, • Conformance to Tactical Data Link (TDL) Standards for Link 11, Link 16, Link 22 and Joint Range Extension Application Protocol ‘C’ (JREAP-C);, • Interoperability, in both single and multi-link environments;, • DLP Integration and Testing, The requirement to support the existing test equipment software: In order for the currently used TDL test tools to remain up to date with the latest NATO TDL Messaging Standards Agreements (STANAGs) the software is required to be supported. This support comprises software fixes and updates and some software related training. , The requirement to support the existing test equipment hardware: The main component of the existing equipment is MLST3 (OEM: Northrop Grumman product) which was procured by the Authority via Foreign Military Sale procurement in 2020. The other element is TIGER (again OEM: Northrop Grumman product) which as originally procured by the Authority as part of the Wildcat programme. The existing hardware will have to be supported to ensure its functioning and compatibility with the software during the period of support.