SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., 13 May 2010.Military communications systems integrators at General Dynamics C4 Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz., are leading development of a line-of-sight communications payload for extended range/multi-purpose (ER/MP) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under terms of a $12.4 million modification to the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 3 contract, General Dynamics officials announced today.
The WIN-T UAV communications payload will use the highband networking waveform (HNW) to serve as a radio repeater while the UAV is in flight. This capability is critical in cities and rugged terrain where buildings and mountains block radio communications signals.
HNW is a key technology on the WIN-T program by automatically establishing communications links. WIN-T technology, with its automatic link establishment, enables warfighters to communicate and collaborate on the move, in urban areas, mountains, or isolated locations with no communications infrastructure.
General Dynamics is leading the WIN-T Increment 3 team that includes Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Harris Corp. The team will design the communications payload B-kit with General Atomics, makers of the ER/MP unmanned aircraft. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Fort Monmouth, N.J., awarded the contract.
The WIN-T program is composed of three increments. Increment 1 is currently fielded to a number of deployed U.S. Army units. Increment 2 equips tactical vehicles with broadband communications, enabling commanders to see and command from anywhere in the battlespace. Increment 3 provides increased network reliability and capacity, smaller and more tightly integrated communications and networking gear needed for the Army’s Brigade Combat Team Modernization.
For more information contact General Dynamics C4 Systems online at www.gdc4s.com.
