MQ-8C to get new data link

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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- A new multi-band digital data link system for the MQ-8C unmanned helicopter is to be produced by Cubic Defense Applications of California.

The company, part of the Cubic Corp., said the system for Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout will use smaller and lighter components for transferring full-motion video and data to ground and naval forces.

"The vital information that Fire Scout's sensors collect would be useless without a way to get it to the warfighters who need it for timely exploitation," said David S. Miller, Fire Scout program director for Cubic Defense Applications. "Cubic's MQ-8C Fire Scout data link system provides that ability and its multi-band capability will enable warfighters to conduct simultaneous missions."

The data link contract is worth $3.7 million.

Cubic's ISR data link systems use radio frequency technology with open standard waveforms to transfer data and stream video. It features a modular architecture that includes open-standard interfaces and a software-defined transceiver.

Cubic's new Multiband Miniature Transceiver, which enables simultaneous Ku band and C band transmissions using dual data streams is an integral part of the system.

"A data link system that used to be the size of a toaster oven is now the size of three Pop-Tarts," Robert Kalebaugh, senior director of business development for Cubic Defense Applications, said of the new system.