RTI And Northrop Grumman Partner To Provide Standard Interface For TDL Systems

San Jose, CA -- Real-Time Innovations (RTI), The Real-Time Middleware Experts, announced its collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corporation to develop a Data Distribution Service (DDS)-compliant interface to the Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) system. CLIP enables the exchange of information between Air Force and Navy platforms that natively support incompatible tactical data links (TDLs). CLIP also provides TDL processing for platforms that do not currently have a data link by bridging the legacy host mission computer's software to the new TDL radio/terminal. DDS provides a standards-complaint mechanism for accessing data using commercial off-the-shelf DDS software, which is already broadly used within defense systems.

CLIP solves interoperability problems by providing a common interface for multiple TDLs and a bridge so legacy platforms can connect to the standard Internet Protocol (IP)-based systems. CLIP's common TDL software greatly reduces platform-development and lifecycle-maintenance costs. When deployed, CLIP makes it possible for defense systems to seamlessly communicate with one another and with the aggregated data-analysis and -display systems, thus enabling integration with the Global Information Grid.

DDS provides a network-centric interface to CLIP, easing integration of new and legacy TDLs. The interface also complies with Net-Centric Enterprise Solutions for Interoperability (NESI) guidelines, ensuring best practices for DDS use in open-architecture environments.

The DDS interface was developed by a collaborative team of engineers from RTI and Northrop Grumman using RTI Data Distribution Service, RTI's DDS-compliant middleware. By leveraging its expertise in middleware system design and a knowledge base of RTI technical experts, the project team was able to optimize data-distribution performance on an aggressive schedule.

"Working with RTI has been both effective and productive," noted Jim Miller, Northrop Grumman program manager for the CLIP Program. "We were able to design and build a system that meets the demanding goals of the CLIP Program while also adhering to NESI requirements."

The CLIP Program is managed by the Navy's Command and Control Program Office, which reports to the Program Executive Office (PEO) for C4I. The PEO acquires, fields and supports C4I and ground-based space systems that extend across Navy, joint and coalition platforms. The PEO also manages more than 100 acquisition programs and projects that cover all C4I disciplines, such as applications, networks, communications and intelligence, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance systems for both afloat platforms and shore commands.

The CLIP Program is currently undergoing system testing and pilot projects in preparation for initial production deployments in FY-08.

"We're excited about our work with Northrop Grumman on the CLIP Program," said Stan Schneider, CEO of RTI. "The combined capabilities of CLIP and DDS provide a highly scalable infrastructure for mission-critical applications, with all the advantages of an open, standards-based architecture. This solution will provide both significant interoperability and long-term cost savings for current and future platforms."

SOURCE: Real-Time Innovations (RTI)