Flexible Data Link

The primary objective of this effort was to build a system that can operate in contested environments (the anticipated future combat fields). Operating in contested environments requires flexible waveform characteristics that can change on-the-fly based on conditions of the combat mission. The Flexible Data Link system is designed with the capability of handling data rates up to 25 Bbps. The high speed operation will most likely be utilized in permissive environment operations where we have air dominance. Data rates can be substantially lowered when operating in contested/highly contested environments. In order to overcome atmospheric conditions, the modular design of the Flexible Data Link allows the digital backend to be connected to a variety of analog frontends. Any frontend (RF, FSO, or IR) can be used as long as it follows the specifications of the standard interface to the digital backend.