Army turns to Benchmark for transceivers for Air Warrior program

The Army has awarded Benchmark Electronics a $14.8 million contract to furnish RF transceivers for the Army's Air Warrior program.

The Army has awarded Benchmark Electronics a $14.8 million contract to furnish RF transceivers for the Army's Air Warrior program, the Defense Department announced March 5.

Under the agreement, Benchmark will deliver up to 12,000 transceiver field units that will improve the effectiveness and survivability of Army helicopter crew members, DOD said.

The Air Warrior integrates all Army aviation life support and mission equipment into an ensemble that improves the combat effectiveness of the aircrew member, according to the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier.

Air Warrior capitalizes on several joint service technology development initiatives to create a modular system that increases situational awareness and freedom of movement at the flight controls, enhances mobility to operate aircraft systems safely, reduces physiological stress, facilitates aircraft entry and exit, and provides survival gear for downed crew members over land or water.

The contracting activity is the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The contract is effective through February 2018.