Harris orders PowerPC-based single-board computers for U.S. Army MLRS HIMARS tactical rocket launcher
Editor's note: GE Intelligent Platforms changed its name to Abaco Systems on 23 Nov. 2015 as a result of the company's acquisition last September by New York-based private equity firm Veritas Capital.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., 27 Nov. 2011. Fire-control experts at the Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Division in Melbourne, Fla., needed 6U VMEsingle-board computers for the Lockheed Martin U.S. Army's Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M-270 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). They found their solution from GE Intelligent Platforms in Charlottesville, Va. GE won a $3.5 million order from Harris for the GE PPC7EP single board computer -- a custom variant of GE's PPC7D 6U VME single board computer powered by the 7448 PowerPC processor. The embedded computing board includes two PMC sites and an additional flexible interface extension (AFIX) site. Harris is using three PPC7EPs -- one with a PMCGA4C graphics accelerator card -- to provide computing power for each MLRS HIMARS vehicle. The Harris contract to GE is potentially worth $7 million if all options are exercised.
The HIMARS, the newest member of the Army's MLRS family, was developed originally in 1996, and entered service in June 2005. HIMARS is designed to destroy enemy artillery, air defense systems, trucks, light armor, and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.
The HIMARS is a U.S. light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a truck, carrying six rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile on the U.S. Army's family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) five-ton truck, and can launch the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) family of munitions. The vehicle can be transported aboard the C-130 four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
The Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Orlando, Fla., is subcontracting with Harris to design and build the electronics for the MLRS M-270 HIMARS vehicle.
For more information contact GE Intelligent Platforms online at www.ge-ip.com, Harris Government Communications at www.govcomm.harris.com, or Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control at www.lockheedmartin.com/mfc.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
