Multi-Terminal Order for British Military
A company authorized to lead satellite communications (SATCOM) procurements for military end users in the U.K. Ministry of Defence has ordered a number of Internet protocol terminal (IPT) Suitcase-Fly-Away 150 Lite and X-band kits. The SATCOM systems offer users the ability to communicate on Ku-band and X-band satellite frequencies with two parallel autonomous sets of terminals. The very portable IPT Suitcase terminal supports the Ku-band transmissions, while the Fly-Away 150 Lite supports the X-band communications. Officials involved with the contract believe the order demonstrates that many military organizations are building network-centric warfare tactics based on SATCOM. Paradigm Services Limited ordered the various products from SWE-DISH Satellite Systems AB, a DataPath company.
 
Tank and Artillery Systems Improvements in Asia
Tanks and artillery systems located in three Asian countries soon will undergo upgrades through several projects. The assignments include upgrading fire control as well as command and control systems on tanks and artillery equipment. Elbit Systems Limited won three contracts for the work on the various projects. The awards total $163 million, and the work is scheduled to continue through 2009. Elbit Systems performs work related to upgrading armored fighting vehicles, and supplies comprehensive solutions for land combat in Israel and other locations around the world.
 
Royal Australian Navy Upgrades Systems
Six on-board training (OBT) systems and two land-based software support centers for the Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile frigates are scheduled for upgrades. The initial systems will be modified to meet the ships’ latest inertial navigation and surface-to-air missile system configurations. The new systems will interoperate with the U.S. Navy’s Total Ships Training program. The deliveries are scheduled to begin 30 months from August 2007 and continue for four years. AAI Corporation, a subsidiary of United Industrial Corporation, received the $8.6 million work order. AAI’s OBT systems operate over a wide-area network, allowing radar and weapon systems operators and tacticians to practice combat and operation skills on their own equipment in a command-synthetic environment.

Dual Satellite Communications System Construction
A dual satellite communications system is scheduled to be built, and then launched in the second half of 2010. The system will provide both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia with innovative solutions for broadcasting services, Internet trunking via satellite, corporate data networks and backhauling services to telecommunications operations. The requirements of public and private users will be met. The system also will accommodate emerging applications in the satellite industry such as high-definition television and other broadband satellite services. The dual satellite communication system includes two large satellites to be delivered in orbit as well as associated ground infrastructure. The operational life of the satellites is estimated at 15 years. Al Yah Satellite Communications Company “Yahsat,” a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, awarded a contract worth $1.66 billion to a team of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to build the system.

First Competition of Ideas Contract
The first contract under the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Competition of Ideas initiative was awarded for research of an MoD proposal for innovative technology that will result in improved communications among military vehicles in convoys. The technology could enable troops to transmit data back to base while using low-cost, low-power technology with little chance of intercept. The Competition of Ideas was launched as part of the Defence Technology Strategy in October 2006. It challenges the entire U.K. science and technology community to offer innovative ideas to solve pressing defence issues. The MoD funds the best ideas as part of its broad research program. Plextek Limited, a Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, won the initial award.

Submit information about international contract awards to signalnews@afcea.org.