Boeing Awarded US Air Force Contract for Airborne Communications Systems

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received a $3.4 million follow-on contract to provide the U.S. Air Force with 46 additional Combat Track II airborne satellite communications systems.

Boeing has delivered nearly 500 Combat Track II kits to the Air Force since 2001 in an ongoing effort to provide airborne intelligence systems for cargo and bomber aircraft that enhance situational awareness, increase aircrew survivability and improve airframe effectiveness. The total value of the systems currently in use is approximately $38 million.

The Combat Track II systems are installed on C-130, C-17, B-52 and B-1 aircraft operated by the Air Force Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Reserves. The system is deployed worldwide.

“These systems close critical gaps in the warfighter’s ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats,” said Steve Oswald, vice president and general manager of the Intelligence and Security Systems division of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “This follow-on award demonstrates that Boeing is providing the solutions needed to support the Air Force mission.”

The technology provides aircrews with command and control information as well as secure, beyond line-of-sight, encrypted communications between the aircraft and Air Operations Centers worldwide. The system provides position reports, supports text messaging, delivers intelligence and threat information to the cockpit, and supports retasking as requirements and threat conditions change. Boeing builds the systems and also provides engineering, systems integration, depot maintenance support and operational support.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

Source: Mediaroom