Cubic's Tactical Common Data Link completes first payload flight test on Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout

SAN DIEGO, 22 Aug. 2008.Cubic Defense Applications, the defense systems business of Cubic Corp., announced that its Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) performed successfully during the U.S. Navy's payload flight test of Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV).

Cubic's TCDL transmitted and received video streaming data during a low-altitude payload test of the MQ-8B VTUAV. The test took place at Webster Field, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and represents an important first step toward shipboard integration and testing next year.

"Cubic's TCDL uses interoperable CDL waveforms that will communicate with U.S. Navy fleet assets as well as the Littoral Combat Ship to be deployed in the near future," says Rich Smith, senior director of ISR Tactical Data Links.

Cubic's Fire Scout TCDL consists of two major components, an air data terminal and a ground data terminal. Together, these terminals assist in the VTUAV's ISR and targeting missions by transmitting data at high-speed in real time for combat operations. The TCDL and payload interface are separate from the VTUAV's flight-critical functions.