General Dynamics Leads Team Competing for Joint Tactical Radio System Cluster 5 Program
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics Decision Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), will lead a team to compete for a contract to bring miniaturized software-defined radio technology into small devices such as unattended ground sensors and soldier systems that can overcome size, weight and power constraints.
Called Cluster 5 of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program, this effort will give joint U.S forces three different device types – manpack, handheld, and small form fit – for a variety of mission requirements. JTRS consists of software-programmable and hardware-configurable digital radio equipment that provides flexibility and adaptability to fighting forces. The U.S. Army Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) is the program manager procuring Cluster 5, with participation by the U.S. Special Operations Command, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The development contract is scheduled to be awarded in early 2004 and could lead to radio procurements in excess of $1 billion for the next 10 years.
General Dynamics is leading a team that includes BAE SYSTEMS of Wayne, N.J., Rockwell Collins of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Thales Communications of Clarksburg, Md. The General Dynamics team is also supported by Motorola, Schaumberg, Ill.; Vanu Inc., Cambridge, Mass.; Agile Communications, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Altera, San Jose, Calif.; and RedZone Robotics, Pittsburgh, Penn.
“Our fighting forces require considerable flexibility which makes software defined radio technology particularly ideal for Cluster 5,” said Mark Fried, president and general manager of General Dynamics Decision Systems. “This proposal team has the right approach to meet development and production demand requirements, the performance results required to deliver the radio in small form factors and the advanced technology capability needed for the backbone of Cluster 5.”
About General Dynamics’ Cluster 5 Team
Thales Communications, Inc. is a global leader in providing battle-proven, software-defined, tactical radios for use in size-, weight- and power-constrained environments. Thales has delivered more than 30,000 software-defined tactical radios to the U.S. government, the governments of allied nations, and various tactical radio prime contractors. Thales brings the expertise and success being achieved on the JTRS Cluster 2 program to the General Dynamics team, helping to ensure that the Army's schedule is achieved in a low risk, cost effective and fully compliant manner.
Rockwell Collins provides design, production and support of aviation electronics and communications for government and commercial customers worldwide. Rockwell Collins will leverage its worldwide leadership in wireless communication and avionics to provide leadership in the development of all classes of unmanned aerial vehicle and Manpack radios for the program. In addition, Rockwell Collins will lead the effort to integrate waveform software into the Cluster 5 radio sets for the General Dynamics team.
BAE SYSTEMS Communication, Navigation, Identification and Reconnaissance group has a long history in radio products and, ad hoc networking solutions, including leadership roles in JTRS technology, Advanced Joint C4ISR Node Multi-Mission Platform and the Army’s Future Combat Systems team for ground and air communications. BAE SYSTEMS has demonstrated and developed architecture, hardware and firmware compliant with the new JTRS Software Communication Architecture standards and is working with General Dynamics to meet Cluster 5 size, weight and power requirements.
General Dynamics Decision Systems, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a leader in products and systems for information assurance, interoperability and battlefield management/command and control for defense and industrial customers in the U.S. and abroad. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 64,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2003 revenues of $15.5 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation.
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Any "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
General Dynamics Corporation (ticker: GD, exchange: NYSE)
News Release - Monday, August 25, 2003
Press Contact: (480) 441-2885
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