Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Multifunctional Information Distribution System
open-in-new
<h2 id="mids-components">MIDS Components</h2> <p>The MIDS terminal consists of two different <a href="/facts/Line_card/0DvMWFhf">Line Replacement Units</a> (LRUs): the Main Terminal and the <a href="/facts/Power_supply/4A8zBRHn">Remote Power supply</a> (RPS). The Main Terminal consists of 10 Shop Replaceable Units (SRUs): </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Chassis/YdnWbDFK">Chassis</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Power_Amplifier/pnRgxncC">Power Amplifier</a> (PA)</li> <li>Exciter/IPF (Interference Protection Feature)</li> <li>Receiver Synthesizer (R/S, 2 per terminal), Either LVT(1), LVT(2), LVT(3), or JTRS Terminals</li> <li>Signal Message Processor (SMP)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Tactical_Air_Navigation/4YFph1he">Tactical Air Navigation</a> (TACAN)</li> <li>Voice</li> <li>Tailored Processor (TP)/Avionic MUX (1553B/3910)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Data_Processor/1xeBseED">Data Processor</a> (DP)/Ground MUX (X.25/Ethernet)</li> <li>Receiver-Transmitter Interface (RTI/Discrete)</li></ul> <p>In addition there are a few accessories required by some specific platforms: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/High_Power_Amplifier/lXY5Eqf8">High Power Amplifier</a> Interface Assembly (HIA)</li> <li>Direct Current Adapter (DCA)</li> <li>Alternating Current Adapter (ACA)</li></ul> <p>The MIDS terminal is equipped with four different interfaces to communicate with the host platform: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/MIL-STD-1553B/5Xb7yyke">MIL-STD-1553B</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/STANAG_3910/0XhvuED0">STANAG 3910</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/X.25/yaGPqw2Y">X.25</a></li></ul> <p>Data rate can vary between 108 and 238 kbit/s, depending on the interface used. Secure voice messages are available with two different rates: 16 kbit/s and 2.4 kbit/s. The MIDS software (SW) consists of two main configuration items: </p> <ul><li>Core SW (basically a modified JTIDS SW), which handles the LINK-16 messages;</li> <li>Tailored Input/Output (I/O) SW, which handles communications with the host platform.</li></ul> <p>MIDS Terminals exchange communication data with an onboard computer platform known as the Host which will format, filter, and/or condition communication data for presentation. </p> <h2 id="mids-receiver-synthesizer-line-cards-variants">MIDS Receiver Synthesizer line cards variants</h2> <h3>MIDS-JTRS</h3> <p>MIDS-JTRS is a <a href="/facts/Software-defined_radio/k7qLq1mu">software-defined radio</a> that is compliant with the JTRS Software Communication Architecture (SCA). MIDS-JTRS is a replacement for MIDS-LVT and adds three additional channels for JTRS waveforms. As the MIDS-LVT migrates to the JTRS compliance, the system will maintain its link 16 and TACAN functionality with Navy and Air Force platforms that use MIDS-LVT but also accommodates future technologies and capabilities as part of MIDS-JTRS. MIDS-JTRS improvements include enhanced link 16 throughput, link 16 frequency remapping and programmable crypto. MIDS-JTRS will provide an additional three 2-megahertz or 2 gigahertz programmable channels to accommodate incremental delivery of advanced JTRS waveforms.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a> </p> <h3>MIDS-LVT</h3> <p>The MIDS family includes 3 main variants. </p> <ul><li>LVT(1), which was developed for integration on a multitude of surface and airborne platforms, and is characterized by PhEN 3910, <a href="/facts/MIL-STD-1553B/5Xb7yyke">MIL-STD-1553B</a>, <a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a>, and <a href="/facts/X.25/yaGPqw2Y">X.25</a> physical interfaces, and the adoption of both Voice and TACAN functions.</li> <li>LVT(2) was developed by the US, specifically to satisfy the requirements set by the <a href="/facts/US_Army/WACWBEK9">US Army</a>. This terminal is characterized by unique power supply and blower systems, and by the Army Data Distribution System Interface (ADDSI) X.25 interface.</li> <li>FDLT or LVT(3) (Fighter Data Link Terminal) specifically developed to meet the requirements of <a href="/facts/F-15/8ublq0RC">F-15 fighter</a> platforms.</li></ul> <p>Additional variants: </p> <ul><li>MoS (MIDS On Ship) designed for rack mounting (in place of <a href="/facts/JTIDS/FqaJ3FT2">JTIDS</a>), with specific power supply and high power amplifier units.</li></ul> <p>Overall 11 different variants of the MIDS-LVT are known. </p><p>One commonly used instance of an MIDS is the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) which has been funded by the <a href="/facts/United_States/P0sCdLe5">United States</a>, <a href="/facts/France/CxIeIKM3">France</a>, <a href="/facts/Germany/paluuWBX">Germany</a>, <a href="/facts/Italy/tUf0PDYF">Italy</a>, and <a href="/facts/Spain/bIyrB8EY">Spain</a> and developed by MIDSCO, a joint venture by <a href="/facts/Thomson_CSF/1ctM43HW">Thomson CSF</a>, <a href="/facts/General_Electric_Company_plc/kvuCGYSg">GEC</a>, <a href="/facts/Siemens/coa80TQn">Siemens</a>, Italtel, and Enosa. Another such terminal is the MIDS-JTRS (MIDS <a href="/facts/Joint_Tactical_Radio_System/7PxTk5kK">Joint Tactical Radio System</a>), which is currently under development by the United States. An older MIDS is the <a href="/facts/JTIDS/FqaJ3FT2">JTIDS</a> (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Currently, there are three production lines, which are competitors: <a href="/facts/ViaSat%2c_Inc/VxRn12zo">ViaSat, Inc</a> (USA), <a href="/facts/Data_Link_Solutions_LLC/IyqMufE4">Data Link Solutions LLC</a> (USA), and EuroMIDS (Europe). </p> Variations of MIDS-LVTs<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a><table><tbody><tr><th rowspan="2">Families</th><th rowspan="2">Terminal Type</th><th colspan="3">Specification</th><th colspan="3">Function</th><th colspan="3"><a href="/facts/User_interface/e9sPEWVD">interface</a></th><th rowspan="2">Platforms</th></tr><tr><th>L×W×H [cm]</th><th>Weight[kg]</th><th>Max Power Output[Watt]</th><th>Link-16IJMS</th><th>Voice</th><th>TACAN</th><th><a href="/facts/MIL-STD-1553/5Xb7yyke">1553</a></th><th><a href="/facts/X.25/yaGPqw2Y">X.25</a></th><th><a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a></th></tr><tr><td>(3)</td><td>MIDS-LVT(3)USQ-140(V)3(C)</td><td rowspan="6">Term: 34×19×19RPS: 34×6×19</td><td>Term: 16.8RPS: 3.5</td><td>50</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>・<a href="/facts/McDonnell_Douglas_F-15_Eagle/8ublq0RC">McDonnell Douglas F-15</a>・<a href="/facts/Mitsubishi_F-15J/K3wVpVE8">Mitsubishi F-15J</a>・<a href="/facts/UCAV/eueGXJxK">UCAVs</a></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">(1)</td><td>MIDS-LVT(1)USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1840</td><td rowspan="5">Term: 22.2RPS: 6.5</td><td rowspan="3">200(1000W with HPAG)</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes|Platform D</td><td>・<a href="/facts/Northrop_Grumman_E-2_Hawkeye/S6VPh4ct">Northrop Grumman E-2D</a>・<a href="/facts/McDonnell_Douglas_F%2fA-18_Hornet/hsKrCHym">McDonnell Douglas F/A-18</a>・<a href="/facts/Eurofighter_Typhoon/831fqTEd">Eurofighter Typhoon</a>・<a href="/facts/Dassault_Rafale/Y1AKumMG">Dassault Rafale</a></td></tr><tr><td>MIDS-LVT(4)USQ-140(V)4(C) RT-1841</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes|Platform D</td><td>・<a href="/facts/Saab_JAS_39_Gripen/VFRd1les">Saab JAS 39</a>・Ground</td></tr><tr><td>MIDS-LVT(5)USQ-140(V)5(C) RT-1841</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes|Platform D</td><td>・Maritime・<a href="/facts/Airborne_early_warning_and_control/VXDQUphK">AWACS</a></td></tr><tr><td>MIDS-LVT(6)USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1842</td><td rowspan="4">200</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes|Platform D</td><td>・<a href="/facts/Lockheed_AC-130/jEPXn1t5">Lockheed AC-130</a>・<a href="/facts/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon/0KRD0Gqy">General Dynamics F-16</a></td></tr><tr><td>MIDS-LVT(7)USQ-140(V)1(C) RT-1843</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes|Platform D</td><td>・<a href="/facts/Northrop_Grumman_B-2_Spirit/5xx6l0AN">Northrop Grumman B-2</a></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">(2)/(11)</td><td>MIDS-LVT(2)USQ-140(V)2(C) RT-1785</td><td rowspan="2">Term: 34×19×19Overall: 63×33×21</td><td rowspan="2">Term: 17.4PSA: 11.6Cooling Unit: 4.6Mounting Base: 3.1</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes|Platform J</td><td>・Ground forces</td></tr><tr><td>MIDS-LVT(11)USQ-140(V)11(C) RT-1868</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes|Platform J</td><td>・<a href="/facts/Tactical_Air_Control_Party/VIBX6n2M">TACP</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/JTIDS/FqaJ3FT2">Joint Tactical Info Distribution System (JTIDS)</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Joint_Tactical_Radio_System/7PxTk5kK">Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Tactical_Data_Link/rU8ESYHG">Tactical Data Link</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Link_16/FFNNRHel">Link 16</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Link_11/d1cn5QMJ">Link 11</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Link_4/HfhlUPSz">Link 4</a></li></ul> <ul><li>Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations (UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED), <a href="/facts/Roberto_Sabatini/n4SXvvLI">Roberto Sabatini</a> (MAJ Italian Air Force) et al.</li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/systems/mids-lvt.htm">GlobalSecurity's Military Aircraft Systems - MIDS Description</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>"Xetron provide RF amplifiers for tactical radio system". Flightglobal.com. 2000-02-24. Retrieved 2019-07-07. <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/xetron-provide-rf-amplifiers-for-tactical-radio-system-62461/" target="_blank">https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/xetron-provide-rf-amplifiers-for-tactical-radio-system-62461/</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013–2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013 <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013–2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013 <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations, UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED, page 11-8 <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations, UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED, page 11-8 <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>2010 Weapon Systems By Defense Department, Government Printing Office, Google Books, 2014 <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Data Link Solutions LLC (2009). "DLS Platforms - Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2011. <a href="/wiki/Data_Link_Solutions_LLC" target="_blank">/wiki/Data_Link_Solutions_LLC</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Data Link Solutions (2010). "DLS MIDS FDL". Archived from the original on January 10, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110110064048/http://www.datalinksolutions.net/dls/product_line/Link16-LRU.asp" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20110110064048/http://www.datalinksolutions.net/dls/product_line/Link16-LRU.asp</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>