Northrop Grumman has introduced Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) for the U.S. Marine Corps’ F/A-18 aircraft, marking a significant enhancement in mission-critical technology. Announced on December 5, 2024, this modernization leverages the Northrop Grumman LITENING Pods electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pod, now equipped with cutting-edge data transfer capabilities.
The new ATDL system uses the Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL) waveform, allowing faster communication and increased efficiency in data sharing. This improvement provides secure, two-way, multi-band data transmission, including video, still images, and metadata, enabling greater precision in mission execution. According to James Conroy, vice president of navigation, targeting, and survivability at Northrop Grumman, “The ATDL enhancement is like upgrading to better Wi-Fi by building on LITENING’s already proven data links, making live feeds immediately available on the ground – a critical capability in our modern environment.”
Key Features and Versatility
The upgraded ATDL replaces the Plug-and-Play II data link and includes a modern processor, software-defined radio, wideband antenna, and enhanced data recorder. This technology can be integrated into various LITENING pod variants, such as the G4, SE, LDP, Color, and Large Aperture models. Its modular design ensures adaptability to future upgrades, keeping pace with the evolving demands of military missions.
LITENING pods have proven essential in diverse operations, including air superiority, close air support, surveillance, and humanitarian assistance. The pods’ advanced sensors detect, acquire, identify, and track targets at extended ranges, ensuring optimal mission performance.
Northrop Grumman’s incorporation of BE-CDL technology into the LITENING pods represents a breakthrough in data-sharing capabilities. The company has also integrated previous systems, such as NET-T, which functions as a secure airborne Wi-Fi router, and Mobile Ad-hoc Network radios, ensuring seamless connectivity across different aircraft generations and domains.
Broader Impact and Delivery
With over 900 LITENING pods delivered to domestic and international customers, Northrop Grumman continues to lead in aerospace technology. The company’s enhancements not only improve mission efficiency for the U.S. Marine Corps but also ensure that its systems remain adaptable to modern operational needs.
Northrop Grumman emphasizes its role as a global leader in defense and aerospace innovation, equipping its clients with state-of-the-art solutions for various challenges.
