The Air Force is in the market for a miniature Link 16 device for dismounted personnel.
Link 16 is the standard data link for U.S. and NATO troops. However, the size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints of current Link-16 components make the units too big for dismounted troops to carry.
According to the Air Force, “market research suggests that a handheld Link-16 device, comparable to the Harris Corporation’s AN/PRC-152 radio, will be available by FY 2016.”
The Air Force goal is a device with low SWaP while providing voice, data and networking capabilities.
