Rockwell Collins moved a major step forward recently with the Type 1 certification by the National Security Agency (NSA) of the company's new Multiple Independent Level of Security (MILS) encryption device and architecture.

The device, named KOV-74, was developed to maximize commonality among range instrumentation systems for Test and Evaluation (T&E) and training applications. The device is Cryptographic Modernization-compliant and enables secure, cross-domain interoperability between networks, platforms and U.S.-Coalition operations of differing security levels as part of the Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System (CRIIS).

“This milestone achievement is the first of its kind, and is the result of more than six years of working with the NSA to develop a common airborne and ground MILS device, capable of processing multiple independent channels of high-rate data, classified up to and including Top Secret,” said Tommy Dodson, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “For example, it allows the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth generation platform, to securely interoperate with other equipment operating at lower-classification levels, such as a fourth-generation F/A-18.”

The KOV-74 is a high-assurance programmable cryptographic product capable of protecting Unclassified through Top Secret data simultaneously. It is highly ruggedized and miniaturized, and is designed for a variety of operating environments such as ground, mobile and tactical airborne. The 4-channel device can be configured for single-level to multi-level operation (TS-U), and when combined with our high assurance data guard, provides a complete MILS distributed security architecture.

Dodson said Rockwell Collins has been testing the capability since 2012, teaming with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory and its L-29 aircraft during that time.

“We're producing hardware in our factory, installing and getting ready to test at Naval Air Station Patuxtent River and Eglin Air Force Base in 2015,” said Dodson. “We're excited to begin using this technology to help our military customers develop MILS Live-Virtual-Constructive training concepts to help F-35 pilots train more efficiently, and with legacy aircraft.”