Exelis (NYSE:XLS)
and Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM)
have successfully demonstrated a new global-reach communications
capability for the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) Distributed
Tactical Communication System (DTCS).
The capability, once deployed, will advance the Department of Defense’s
critical satellite communications network, bringing secure, reliable and
truly global communications services to users in the defense and
intelligence community operating anywhere on Earth.
In partnership with DISA’s Enhanced
Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program office, the team
demonstrated real-time, push-to-talk voice and data communications that
connected users in regions across the globe, including Virginia,
Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, Australia and locations within the Arctic
Circle. Multiple radios deployed within each region demonstrated the
ability to simultaneously connect with those nearby as well as with
others thousands of miles away.
“This successful demonstration is the first step in a major capability
evolution for DTCS,” said Mark Adams, vice president and general manager
of the Exelis specialty applications business. “We remain committed to
DISA’s goal of providing DTCS users with more powerful communication
tools and an improved overall user experience, regardless of global
location.”
The global services capability will provide command and control, as well
as situational awareness, through inter-theater, on-the-move
communications between distributed tactical units and multiple echelons
of command around the world. The demonstration was carried out by
leveraging currently fielded technology, with some enhancements made to
software and DISA communications infrastructure.
“Industry has worked closely with the U.S. government to rapidly develop
these new DTCS Global Services capabilities,” said Scott Scheimreif,
executive vice president, government programs, Iridium. “In an era of
declining budgets, leveraging Iridium’s global satellite network has
enabled the Department of Defense to deploy advanced technology with
specialized capabilities for the warfighter at a fraction of the cost
and schedule of typical military systems.”
Exelis received the DTCS Global Services contract
from the EMSS
program office in May 2013. Since then, the company has worked
collaboratively with Iridium and DoD representatives to define a
capability roadmap for the global satellite communication system.
About Exelis
Exelis is a diversified, global aerospace, defense and information
solutions company that leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer
knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable,
mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in
positioning and navigation, sensors, air traffic management solutions,
image processing and distribution, communications and information
systems, and focused on strategic growth in the areas of critical
networks, ISR and analytics, electronic warfare and composite
aerostructures. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Exelis employs
approximately 10,000 people and generated 2013 sales of $4.8 billion.
For more information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com
or connect with us on Facebook,
Twitter,
LinkedIn
and YouTube.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite
communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables
connections between people, organizations and assets to and from
anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner
companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable
solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The
company has a major development program underway for its next-generation
network — Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in
McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global
Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about
Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2014