The Development of JTIDS Distributed TDMA (DTDMA) Advanced Development Model (ADM) Terminals

The Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) is a tri-service, multi-channel, multi-function system. Distributed TDMA, the defined baseline for JTIDS Phase II (JTIDS II) expands the basic TDMA (Phase I) capability by providing increased data rate capacity and additional C-N-I functions. ITTAV has been the prime U. S. Navy contractor for the development of a series of JTIDS/DTDMA Advanced Development Model terminals. Under a contract from the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, Pennsylvania, ITTAV has designed, built and extensively tested four terminals and a JTIDS signal simulator. Testing in both laboratory and flight test environments has validated the high levels of security and jam-resistance plus the multi-function, multi-netting flexibility inherent in the. DTDMA architecture. This paper will provide some more detailed information on the functional capabilities and design features of these JTIDS/DTDMA terminals, and the test highlight results. As a result of the successful completion of the ADM program the U. S. Navy is undertaking the Full Scale Development of JTIDS/DTDMA under contract with ITT and Hughes in a joint venture known as TADCOM.