General Dynamics UK and Innovative Concepts Awarded Contract by EADS-CASA to Network-Enable Spanish Air Force EF-18
15 July 2004
Innovative Concepts will integrate IDM Technology® into the Spanish Air Force EF-18.
Mclean, VA – July 12, 2004 - The team of Innovative Concepts and General Dynamics UK Limited, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), has been awarded a contract to supply Single Card Improved Data Modems (SCIDM®) for the Spanish EF-18A/B aircraft.
Innovative Concepts and General Dynamics UK were selected by the Spanish Air Force to deliver an integrated, low-risk, Improved Data Modem (IDM) solution. IDM Technology® will give the EF-18 tactical air to ground digital communications for accomplishing critical Close Air Support (CAS) missions. With both the IDM and the Link 16 tactical data link capability provisioned as part of the current upgrade program, the EF-18 will be one of the most network-enabled platforms in NATO.
The SCIDM® solution is a COTS-based 6U VME card that will provide the EF-18 with the latest AFAPD and Variable Message Format (VMF) K-Series tactical data and imagery transfer capabilities that are based on Innovative Concepts’ proven IDM Technology®. The SCIDM® will be integrated into the Tactical Pilot Awareness Computer (TPAC), which is supplied by General Dynamics UK.
Innovative Concepts’ ability to network-enable defense forces worldwide through its tactical data communications solution - IDM Technology®, is exemplified in this new program. Also, it is an example of General Dynamics UK’s successful Open Systems Strategy, which provides architectures that support the easy integration of additional functions from either the General Dynamics UK product portfolio or from third party suppliers.
“We are pleased that EADS-CASA has selected us for this effort,” said Dr. Andy Feldstein, President and CEO of Innovative Concepts. “With IDM Technology® being integrated into the EF-18 platform, network centricity will be realized for the Spanish Air Force.”
