Defense Systems
For the first time, two military radios communicate with each other over the MUOS satellite network
General Dynamics C4 Systems has announced that two AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios successfully completed secure radio-to-radio voice and data communications tests through the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite network, as part of a scheduled MUOS end-to-end system test.
Defense Systems
iRobot to supply more explosive disposal robots to the Navy/Marines
The Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded iRobot a modification to a previously awarded contract for the procurement of man transportable robotic system production systems and related products and services.
Defense Systems
DISA moves to develop an ISR cloud with large object data storage contract
The Defense Systems information Agency's Enterprise Services division has awarded Alliance Technology Group, Hanover, MD, a $45 million contract to provide the agency with large data object storage (LDOS) technology to develop an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) cloud that requires the storage of huge amounts of data in a secure environment with access across networks.
Defense Systems
SPAWAR Charleston taps 15 companies for $900 million in C5ISR services
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, SC, awarded 15 companies contracts for “decision superiority” services—including interoperable command, control, communication, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems—that could potentially be worth about $900 million.
Defense Systems
Cobra Judy Replacement radars almost ready for strategic deployment
Raytheon reports that the Cobra Judy Replacement (CJR) program surpassed expectations during its first tests against a live rocket launch on March 19. From approximately 100 miles off the Florida coast, X- and S-band radars integrated onboard the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen successfully acquired and tracked both stages of an Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral and collected all associated data.
Defense Systems
Raytheon consolidates operations with new structure for C4I and information systems
Raytheon is consolidating its business operations, and, in the process, is creating new structures for its C4I systems, as well as intelligence and information systems.
Defense Systems
Air Force puts next element of missile-warning system in place
The Air Force’s successfully launched the second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-2) spacecraft Tuesday evening.
Defense Systems
Field upgrade allows Manpack radios to communicate with MUOS satellite
he Army will upgrade 100 Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radios so they can communicate with the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communications system.
Defense Systems
The Navy changes its mind and cancels CIO/IT conference
Just weeks after approving the Department of the Navy’s CIO/information technology conference, which is typically held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s (AFCEA) West conference and exhibition in San Diego, the Navy changed it’s mind and has cancelled the event.
Defense Systems
Navy CANES receives Milestone C approval for limited production and deployment
The Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Services (CANES) program received its Milestone C acquisition decision memorandum from Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall on Dec. 14.
Defense Systems
Navy CIO says new efficiencies have saved $100 million so far
New Department of the Navy (DON) information technology efficiencies have so far saved $100 million, a start on what the Navy’s CIO office says its goal to cut $2 billion from the Navy’s overall budget, according to DON Chief Information Officer Terry Halvorsen.
Defense Systems
Sierra Nevada will provide counter IED jammers to be worn by individual soldiers
The U.S. Army Contracting Command has awarded a $56.5 million contract for the production of Individual Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronics Warfare (ICREW) systems, referred to as “Baldr” systems.
Defense Systems
Airborne ISR supplemented by XTAR’s commercial X-band service
XTAR, a commercial provider of satellite services in the X-band frequency, reports that it has contracted for 100 MHz of bandwidth worth more than $8 million over the past year.
Defense Systems
Army vice chief of staff to be nominated as CENTCOM commander
President Barack Obama plans to nominate GEN Lloyd Austin as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, with overall responsibility for the Afghanistan war.
Defense Systems
Xplore Technologies sells 900 tablets to the military
In its largest-ever order from the military, Xplore Technologies of Austin, TX, has received a “multi-million-dollar” purchase order for more than 900 rugged tablet PCs.
Defense Systems
Department of Navy IT/CIO conference approved for January
The Department of the Navy’s CIO/information technology conference, which is typically held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s (AFCEA) West conference and exhibition in San Diego, was approved by Navy Assistant for Administration Carla Lucchino.
Defense Systems
Fire Scout breaks endurance records during latest deployment
The Navy’s fourth Fire Scout detachment returned to Mayport, Fla. on Dec. 1 after achieving several milestones during its five-month deployment.
Defense Systems
Textron, Bell and AAI launch collaboration in manned/unmanned teaming
Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., have opened the Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab, as well as the Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Lab.
Defense Systems
Rockwell Collins will produce about half of the two-channel AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios recently ordered by the Army
Rockwell Collins has received a contract from General Dynamics C4 Systems to produce approximately half of the 3,700 Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios recently ordered for the U.S. Army.
Defense Systems