General Dynamics and Rockwell Collins Deliver First Integrated Computer Systems for the Future Combat Systems Program
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (March 07, 2007) - General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) today announced
the on-time delivery of the first Integrated Computer Systems (ICS) to the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.
ICS is the common computing environment for 13 of the 14 platforms in the FCS family of systems, which comprises a network
of sensors, unmanned aerial platforms and manned and unmanned ground platforms.
Prototype units supplied by the General Dynamics-Rockwell Collins ICS team provide computing, networking and information assurance
resources to enable U.S. Army current force vehicles to be a part of the FCS network.
ICS is embedded in mobile platforms and provides users with a common operating picture for faster decision-making. Bradley
fighting vehicles, Abrams main battle tanks and Command Variant High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles will be equipped
with ICS as part of the first spin-out of FCS future force technologies in 2008.
"ICS is the heart of FCS, the U.S. Army's transformational program to enable network-centric warfare," said John van Dyke,
director of Net-Centric Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "This accomplishment provides a key component of the high-performance
technology infrastructure required to take FCS to the next level of preparedness and bring the future of combat to the current
force."
The ICS team designed, built, tested and delivered the Current Force Integrated Computer systems in 21 months to support the
rapid spin-out of FCS capability into the Current Force vehicles.
"ICS accomplishes one of the central objectives of the FCS program - the ability to provide real-time connectivity across
the battlespace, using common hardware and software," said Woody Hogle, vice president and general manager for Government
Integrated Systems at Rockwell Collins. "To make these deliveries on time is a tribute to the team's persistence, dedication
and commitment."
FCS uses a groundbreaking approach that brings advanced technologies together to help create an agile Unit of Action. The
ICS integrates a wide range of traditionally independent computing applications into a single, integrated, secure processing
environment. This provides the FCS-equipped Units of Action with unprecedented processing, networking, data storage and information
assurance capabilities.
ICS will appear in the General Dynamics Booth #808 and the Rockwell Collins Booth #523 at the Association of the U.S. Army
Institute of Land Warfare's upcoming "Winter Symposium and Exhibition," scheduled for March 7 through 9 at the Broward Convention
Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more
than 11,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems,
computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,000 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues
of $24.1 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary
combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the
company is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.
Rockwell Collins' Government Systems provides defense electronics products and systems — including communication, navigation
and integrated systems for airborne, ground and shipboard applications — to the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign militaries.
Products include secure, anti-jam voice and data communication solutions, Software Defined Radios (SDR), military Global Positioning
System (GPS) products, mission computing systems and high performance displays.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronics
solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission
communications, information management and simulation and training is strengthened by 18,000 employees, and a global service
and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
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