The mission of the QNT program is to develop robust, affordable, miniature networked data link technologies suitable for use on weapons, by tactical unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), and by dismounted soldiers. These data links will enable precision strikes and efficient targeting against time-critical and mobile targets.

They will also allow secure weapons handoff from the launch platform to any of several air or ground control platforms in the combat area. The QNT data link ties together the five elements: (1) the weapon, (2) the launch platform, (3) large UAVs, (4) small UAVs, and (5) the ground element.

The QNT program is a multi-phase program. Phase 1, which encompassed conceptual development and initial architecture studies, was awarded last year to two teams. The recent Phase 2 contract was awarded to a single team. Thales Communications is a key member of the winning Rockwell Collins team for both phases.

Phase 2 is a planned 22-month effort and will focus on design, development, and prototyping. Key attributes of the QNT data link include small size and light weight. As the industry leader in resolving size, weight, and power-constrained battlespace challenges, Thales Communications brings unparalleled domain expertise to the QNT team. A pioneer of software-defined radio, Thales Communications is an integral player in Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) initiatives and continues to build on its core competencies with communication solutions that go "beyond the radio."

"With the development of the Cluster 2 JTRS Enhanced Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio, or JEM, the first JTRS radio to be certified for compliance with Software Communications Architecture (with waivers), Thales has again validated its leadership position," said Lewis Johnston, vice president for advanced programs at Thales Communications. "Integrating this domain expertise with the strong competencies of our team members will provide the most reliable solutions to the QNT program, our customers, and, ultimately, the warfighter."

Related Links
Thales Communications
DARPA
Rockwell Collins