Curtiss-Wright Seeks Software From Gedae
Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing (CWCEC), a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls, announced a partnership for joint software development for its CHAMP VPX digital-signal- processing (DSP) engines with Gedae, Inc. Gedae software will allow system developers to quickly create solutions based on next-generation CWCEC CHAMP VXP boards. Gedae Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the CHAMP boards leverage CWCEC's Continuum IPC and Continuum Vector software.
Lynne Patterson, Vice President and General Manager of CWCEC, exclaims that "We are excited to partner with Gedae to bring support for their comprehensive development environment to our next generation of CHAMP-AV6 DSP engine." Jeremy Lundgren, Vice President and General Manager of Gedae, says: "Gedae, Inc. looks forward to working closely with Curtiss-Wright Controls to speed the deployment of advanced DSP systems." The Gedae environment consists of an auto-coding, multiprocessor compiler, high-level language, algorithm library, and debug and analysis tools. The compiler takes functional models and hardware architecture and creates a multi-threaded application.
Kontron Adds AP Labs Group
Embedded computing company Kontron, through its US subsidiary, has acquired San Diego-based AP Labs Group. The AP Labs Group consists of two subsidiaries, which will be integrated with Kontron's North American headquarters in San Diego, CA. Kontron also has access to production capacity via AP Parpro Inc., part of the group located in Mexico.
Kontron CEO Ulrich Gehrmann observes that "We are strengthening ourselves both regionally in the USA, and also in the area of high-margin complete solutions. AP Labs' complementary system product line also perfectly supplements our French subsidiary's board product range in the security segment, which reports consistent growth, and has historically been independent of business cycles." In 2008, Kontron acquired the former French company Thales Computers SA from Thales Group, strengthening Kontron both in defense/aerospace and in Europe. The US Defense Department's official accreditation of AP Labs also now facilitates even better access for Kontron into the US market.
TriQuint To Supply GaN For Drones
Semiconductor veteran TriQuint Semiconductor has been awarded a contract by the United States Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) to develop new gallium nitride (GaN) modules for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The modules, which will include 20- and 50-W units, will extend the range and capabilities of UAVs used for reconnaissance missions over Afghanistan, Irag, and other regions. One of the challenges of the new designs is fitting a 20-W amplifier module in the same space occupied by existing 1-W modules.
TriQuint Program Manager, Doug Cole, explains that "We're very pleased to be working with the Air Force again. The contract is particularly interesting since we need to increase the power of one device 20-fold without increasing the size. We're using our proven 0.25-micron Gallium Nitride process since it offers excellent power density and ruggednesskey requirements for avionic applications." The new modules will feature increased output power but also improved thermal characteristics by benefit of higher power-added efficiency. As estimated by the AFRL, more efficient amplifiers like TriQuint's can extend UAV patrol time from one to three hours depending on the aircraft involved, payload and other operational conditions.
Rochester Facility Certified To AS9120
Known for supporting otherwise obsolete semiconductors, Rochester Electronics has certified its facility in Newburyport, MA to AS9120 requirements. The AS9120 standard addresses chain of custody, traceability, quality control, availability of records, and counterfeit awareness. Rochester Electronics is also IS0 9001:2008 certified, EN 9120:2002 certified, JISQ 9120 certified, and a member of the Class V Qualified Manufacturer List (QML) by the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC).
According to George Karalias, Director of Marketing and Communications, "The AS9120 quality management system is based on ISO 9001 with additional requirements for lot splitting, control of records, material traceability, and foreign object detection (FOD). This certification confirms Rochester's commitment to supplying customers with reliable, authorized end-of-life and mature semiconductors for military and avionic applications. The AS9120 certification demonstrates Rochester's dedication to excellence and the highest level of product quality for demanding and mission-critical applications."
Vision Systems Scores Several Contracts
Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI), a leading supplier of helmet-mounted display (HMD) technology, has secured several new contracts with a total value of more than $80 million. The contracts include delivery of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to Boeing for US and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and FAst Characterization Tools (FACT) for the US Navy and JHMCS for other international sales. VSI will provide JHMCS and FACT hardware, including spares, technical support and ground support equipment, for the Full Rate Production - Lot 6 (FRP- 6) acquisition for US Navy and countries operating F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft.
SI President Drew Brugal comments that "With the delivery of more than 3500 systems, JHMCS continues to be the world's premier helmet display for fixed-wing tactical aircraft. These contracts include sales to the 21st international customer that has selected JHMCS to enhance the tactical capability of their front line fighters. The system provides the warfighter with unmatched situational awareness throughout the operational profile of the aircraft. By keeping eyes out' while viewing all critical information on the helmet visor, the pilot has a significant advantage in both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission execution." VSI is a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America and Rockwell Collins.
Harris To Acquire CapRock Communications
Harris Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CapRock Communications, a global provider of mission-critical managed satellite communications. CapRock specializes in managed communications services, including broadband Internet access, voice over Internet Protocol (IP), and real-time video to harsh and remote locations. Under the terms of the agreement, Harris will purchase privately held CapRock for $525 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments.
Howard L. Lance, Chairman, President and CEO of Harris, notes that, "Acquiring CapRock expands our international presence and customer base, while increasing the breadth of our assured communications offerings. We see increasing demand for outsourced managed communications services that include secure high-availability networks, creating growth opportunities across a variety of markets. The acquisition provides an entry into the energy market, while expanding our present offering for the government and maritime markets to include managed satellite communications solutions. CapRock is a very successful company that shares our passion and commitment to mission-critical communications."
Avaya Assists Air Force With IT
Avaya Government Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avaya Inc., has won a major re-compete contract from the US Air Force for the Scope Enterprise Design Guidance and Evaluation Project (Scope EDGE). Scope EDGE helps ensure the continued security and operation of US Air Force network resources around the world. The contract, which covers a one-year term with provisions for four, one-year extension options, is valued at approximately $64 million. It was awarded as a part of the GSA Alliant contract. Avaya will provide network performance tuning, network compliance assessment, data gathering, and other Information Technology (IT) services. Joel Hackney, Senior Vice President & President, Avaya Data and Government Solutions, remarks that "Avaya Government Solutions has proudly supported the US Air Force Scope EDGE project for eight years. Our continuing relationship is a testament to the Air Force's confidence in our ability to provide the highest level of technology and support as a key network design and guidance partner."
Rockwell Collins Ships 30,000th ARC-210 Radio
Rockwell Collins celebrated the delivery of its 30,000th ARC- 210 radio to the US military with a ceremony at the firm's Cedar Rapids, IA headquarters. US Navy Captain Ralph Portnoy, Program Manager for the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209), took part in the ceremony along with Rockwell Collins executives and employees. The ARC- 210 radio provides two-way voice and data communications from 30 to 512 MHz.
Kelly Ortberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Government Systems for Rockwell Collins, comments that "This program is now a model for government-industry teaming and is a testament to our good relationship with the US Navy. This milestone is also significant because it represents $2 billion in ARC-210 sales for our company since the program started in 1990." The ARC-210 is now fielded on more than 180 platforms worldwide and is operating in more than 40 countries. Domestically, ARC-210s are installed in a wide range of aircraft and helicopters across all the US military services and the US Coast Guard.