The US Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded ITT a contract to produce 425 Band C systems and their related spares and equipment for $16.7m. Band C is an upgrade for the US military’s installed base of vehicle-mounted systems that prevent the detonation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs). This award brings the total number of Band C systems on contract to 1,121 for a total contract value of $39m to date. The initial contract was awarded in April 2010.
The Band C system will work with the currently fielded counter-RCIED electronic warfare (CREW) vehicle receiver jammers (CVRJs) to address a broader frequency range of the evolving spectrum of electronic warfare threats. This upgrade will provide greater capabilities while the longer term development of the next generation of counter-IED systems matures.
“As threats evolve, our technologies must keep pace,” said Chris Bernhardt, president of ITT’s electronic systems business. “Our Band C systems are critical technology upgrades designed to respond to more threats and give our forces enhanced capabilities to perform their missions more safely.”
The CVRJ and Band C programs are satisfying an urgent Department of Defense requirement for increased system production in order to prevent the detonation of radio-controlled IEDs. These counter-IED devices are being used by soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines on various armored vehicles and other military transport equipment, and are deployed to current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
ITT’s electronic systems business is a leading supplier of information and electronic warfare (EW) technologies, systems and services that enable mission success and survivability. Key technologies include integrated EW systems for a variety of aircraft, reconnaissance and surveillance systems for air and sea-based applications, force protection and counter-IED systems, precision landing and air traffic systems for military applications, and undersea systems encompassing mine defense, naval command and sonar systems, and acoustic sensors. In addition, the business produces aircraft armament suspension and release equipment, electronic weapons interface systems, and advanced composite structures and subsystems.