Rockwell Wins UAS Radio Pact

Rockwell Collins said it won a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to lead Phase 1 of a research and development effort aimed at miniaturizing Ku-band radio technology and developing a terminal capable of supporting Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS). The first phase of the development will leverage innovative digital and RF technologies to achieve a small, affordable, low-power, low-weight tactical solution. The goal is to develop CDL terminals that meet the payload restrictions of SUAS platforms and enable data link communication with existing ground systems, the company said. “Employing miniaturization technologies in the development of the Mini-CDL system will significantly impact the communications industry by offering superior data link performance and flexibility for reduced cost, size and power consumption,” said Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Communication Systems for Rockwell Collins. Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said it is teaming with Cubic Defense Applications to develop the Mini-CDL system. Radio system manufacturer Softronics will assist with the development, Rockwell Collins said.