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BAE SYSTEMS to deliver upgraded transponder capability to U.S. Navy

12 Nov 2002

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems $3.9 million in initial funding to implement Mode 5 capability in the Common Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Digital Transponder. The transponder, designated the AN/APX-118(V), is designed and manufactured by the company's Advanced Systems business at Greenlawn. Under the contract, Advanced Systems will also perform the Mode 5 upgrade of the Navy's F/A-18 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Compatible Transponder, the RT-1832/APX.

Mode 5 is an enhancement of the current IFF system providing significant operational, security, and performance improvements. Mode 5 has a more robust cryptological capability for very high security and enhanced identification performance -- particularly in the presence of interference.

"The Navy's selection of BAE Systems as the first DoD contractor to implement Mode 5 capability in operational IFF equipment demonstrates its confidence in our technology and performance," said Joe McCabe, Advanced Systems' business development director. "This modification incorporates newly adopted DoD requirements and will significantly enhance performance for the IFF system."

Both the Navy and U.S. Army have now selected the AN/APX-118(V) as their next-generation transponder for military ships and aircraft. The U.S. Air Force has also approved it for use on USAF platforms.

McCabe noted that Advanced Systems is an active member of the Mode 5 Technical Working Group, an international group composed of all 19 NATO nations, and the U.S. Mode 5 Certification and Standards Integrated Products Team. These groups are responsible for U.S. and allied technical standards that govern the performance of IFF equipment.

Anticipating the military's need for the Mode 5 upgrade, Advanced Systems engineers designed the AN/APX-118(V) to readily accept the Mode 5 growth.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures and has annual sales of around 13 billion.

The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing 22,000 Americans who live and work in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with both highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.

BAE Systems Advanced Systems is located in Mt. Vernon, New York; Braintree, Massachusetts; Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Falls Church, Virginia; and Gaithersburg, Maryland, with headquarters in Greenlawn, New York. As the world's leading producer of IFF products, Advanced Systems' Greenlawn site currently produces military interrogators and transponders for airborne, shipboard, and air defence applications worldwide, and maintains a long history in the design, development and manufacturing of military communications, electronic identification, displays, antennas, and anti-submarine warfare products.