General Dynamics is also changing the wording in all their new news releases, regarding the use of Commercial 3G (WCDMA) software in all their future software defined digital radio devices to be used in their Global Contracts..All of which is being supplied by IDCC for ALL of their Digital Modular Radio Programs.
General Dynamics to Leverage Commercial Technologies for New Navy Mobile Communications System
$830 million Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Contract Signed with Lockheed Martin
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jan. 5, 2005 — General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics(NYSE: GD), late last year signed an $830 million contract with Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to provide the user-entry and integrated ground segments for the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), the U.S. military’s next-generation narrowband satellite communications system.
General Dynamics is a member of a team led by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., which recently won the competition to build the Mobile User Objective System that will provide simultaneous voice, video and data communication for warfighters on the move.
General Dynamics will lead the development and deployment of the MUOS ground system that provides communications and control interfaces between the MUOS satellites and existing and future U.S. Department of Defense terrestrial communication networks. General Dynamics also will develop the wireless protocol for communication between those networks and the MUOS satellites. User terminals will be provided by the U.S. military under the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program with an emphasis on handheld, soldier-worn units. For users, the MUOS system will provide familiar cell phone-like services with the satellites acting as very tall ”towers” to allow warfighters on the ground to communicate directly with each other and their commanders virtually anywhere in the world.
“General Dynamics has long been a leader in leveraging commercial communications technology for government applications, as evidenced by our groundbreaking work in cellular services and end-to-end satellite communications,” said Ron Taylor, a vice president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “As the prime integrator of the MUOS ground system, our extensive software engineering background will enable us to effectively modify commercial-off-the-shelf, third-generation (3G) cellular technology for the needs of the warfighter.”
The company also will provide the radio frequency/intermediate frequency ground terminal equipment for MUOS, which includes an 18.4-meter Ka-Band antenna system. The antenna technology, which enables the link between the MUOS ground stations and the satellite, was developed at TriPoint Global Communications, a company acquired by General Dynamics in September 2004.
MUOS will replace the military’s current narrowband tactical communications system, known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-on (UFO) system. The anticipated launch date for the first MUOS satellite is 2010.
Lockheed Martin, the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, was awarded a $2.1 billion contract to build the first two satellites and associated ground control elements by the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in September 2004. With all options exercised, the contract for up to five satellites has a total potential value of $3.26 billion.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 9,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 71,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue of in excess of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.