SOTECH 2009 Volume: 7 Issue: 9 (November/December)
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $2.8 million contract to Computech International (CTI) for delivery of Tracewell Systems’ E-Tools Mobile Manager Cabinets to Air Force bases in Europe, including Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Aviano, Incirlink and Ramstein. The order for 209 units of the rugged computer storage and transport system is scheduled for delivery by February 2010.
The rugged cabinets, manufactured by Tracewell Systems, are an answer to defense and commercial industries’ initiative to implement and field electronic media platforms tools reducing the reliance on traditional paper bound manuals, interactive electronic tech manuals—IETM. They provide a storage, transport and charging system with a single point LAN connection for a wide variety of E-Tool platforms that is lightweight and rugged, enabling worldwide use and operation in harsh environments.
Sniper Detection
QinetiQ North America recently announced that it has been asked to deliver 235 more of its Ears/SWATS (shoulder-wearable acoustic targeting systems) sniper detection systems to the U.S. Army for use in Afghanistan and Iraq. The order is the final increment on a $10 million contract received last year by QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group and will represent the broadest integration and deployment of the capability with the Land Warrior Program to date.
Ears/SWATS sniper detection systems enable military personnel to immediately and accurately respond to hostile fire, asymmetric warfare, or all-out engagement. After only one gunshot, Ears-equipped warfighters can quickly pinpoint and eliminate the threat. More than 1,500 systems are now in theater.
“The Army’s continuing commitment to the Ears/SWATS system for force protection and survivability is a point of pride for QinetiQ North America,” said Dr. William Ribich, president of the Technology Solutions Group of QinetiQ North America. “We are honored to support the Army in the protection of our troops in the hostile and unpredictable environments of today’s and tomorrow’s missions.”
Land Warrior is an integrated fighting system for individual infantry soldiers and is designed to enhance the soldier’s tactical awareness, lethality and survivability. Systems integrated into the Land Warrior program include the weapons system, helmet, computer, digital and voice communications; positional and navigation system; protective clothing; and individual equipment.
IED Jammer
The Electronic Systems Division of Telephonics Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Griffon Corp., has received a follow-on contract award in excess of $45 million from the Sierra Nevada Corp. for continued production for the Counter Radio Frequency Improvised Explosive Device – Electronic Warfare (CREW) 3.1 Program. This follow-on award extends delivery of the CREW 3.1 devices through March 2010.
“Along with our proven performance, this award solidifies Telephonics’ position as the leading manufacturer of this class of critical equipment for our nation’s warfighters,” said Donald Pastor, president of the Electronic Systems Division. “Telephonics expects to exceed expectations on this program, based on our prior experience with similar equipment such as the CREW 2.0 mounted jammer effort.” ♦