Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS) integration programs and future developments

This paper presents the main results of the systems development and integration activities performed by the MIDS nations (US, France, Italy, Spain and Germany), with the support of the MIDS international program office (IPO), in order to effectively integrate the MIDS low volume terminal (LVT) into air, ground and sea platforms. Particular emphasis is devoted to the experimental work performed in order to address integration issues, along with some of the systems engineering processes required to enhance the terminal hardware and software characteristics. Relevant platform integration lessons learned are also presented in the paper. Dissemination of lessons learned from the various integration and operational activities performed in the MIDS nations is now giving a much deeper insight into the Link 16 network enabled capabilities, with their real advantages and limitations. This sets the scene for further developments, including the definition of a common roadmap for the future MIDS-LVT upgrades and for the MIDS joint tactical radio system (JTRS) development activities currently ongoing. The second part of the paper provides an overview of the research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) activities currently ongoing or planned for the near future both in the MIDS-LVT and MIDS JTRS programs.