New sensors for US Navy

BAE Systems has been named sensor subcontractor for Raytheon Technical Services Company's Shared Reconnaissance Pod Target Cueing System demonstration.

Under a $2.3 million contract with Raytheon, BAE Systems will use its Spectral Infrared Imaging Technology Testbed high-altitude hyperspectral technology to automatically detect, classify and identify camouflaged and concealed targets based on their spectral signature.

Hyperspectral imaging extracts unique spectral data from hundreds of visible to infrared wavelengths to detect objects based on their material composition.

The Boeing Company has been awarded a $30 million US Air Force contract to upgrade the B-52 fleet's Integrated Weapons Interface Units (IWIU), providing flight crews with enhanced smart weapon visibility and control.

"IWIUs represent a significant upgrade to the B-52 fleet," said Scot Oathout, Boeing B-52 programme director. "This contract will allow us to upgrade existing fleet equipment and support future enhancements that will keep the B-52 flying a very important mission for our armed forces all over the world."

Boeing will deliver the first kit in October 2008. The B-52 has been flying since 1960 and is scheduled to fly into the 2040s.

Thales has won a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (F"orsvarets Materiel Verk) for the purchase of ACEcom, a control room communication system. Deliveries of the Thales ACEcom solution will begin in August and will continue through to April 2008.

This contract is part of an upgrade programme of existing land-based naval C4I centres. The system allows operators in the C4I centres to share in a flexible way all national radio resources. The Thales solution includes supply of switches, radio control equipment, operator terminals as well as functionality for switching to the public network.

Glenn Pedersen, MD of Thales in Norway, says: "This contract award provides further confirmation of ACEcom being a leading state-of-the-art solution for control room communication systems."

General Dynamics Information Technology has been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense National Security Education Programme to develop a national volunteer civilian "Language Corps", whose members will be available for federal activation during times of international crisis, national emergency or to fulfil other national needs.

The contract has a potential value of $19 million over three years if all options are exercised. Under the contract, General Dynamics will develop, implement and test a pilot Language Corps of certified experts in languages deemed important to the security and well-being of the nation.

The company will create a continuously operated Language Training and Communications Centre, recruit pilot and charter Language Corps members, provide personnel support and run activation exercises.