US Navy Awards Multispectral Solutions $24.5 Million AWICS Contract
7/28/2004 - Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI), an industry leader in the development of ultra wideband (UWB) systems, has received a $24.5 Million contract from the Naval Air Systems Command for the production of UWB-based Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications Systems (AWICS). Initially developed under Phase I and II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, MSSI’s AWICS system overcomes a major challenge for radio frequency (RF) communications within Naval aircraft, namely the self-interference caused by the reflections of RF energy commonly known as "multipath". The system allows crews to untether from long cords, dramatically improving mobility, flight safety and emergency egress. Furthermore, by replacing the communications cord with a covert RF link, operational effectiveness is significantly enhanced without exposing the crew to electronic warfare threats.
The Navy recently selected MSSI's AWICS system as an SBIR Success Story, with the production contract representing a major Phase III award. MSSI’s license partner, Raytheon Technical Services Company, Indianapolis, IN, will assist MSSI with retrofitting developed products into existing air-to-sea based platforms and with in-service engineering support.
“This contract award represents a major milestone in the long history of UWB technology development,” stated Dr. Robert Fontana, MSSI president and CEO. “The wireless industry has been promised many new UWB products and MSSI is extremely pleased to be leading the way.”
Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) was established in 1989 in Germantown, MD. MSSI is a pioneer and established industry leader in the development of UWB systems for communications, radar and precision positioning applications. MSSI’s AWICS system represents the first military production contract for UWB communications equipment. The company’s PAL650 Precision Asset Location system is the world’s first FCC-certified, UWB-based, active RFID and tracking system for personnel and high valued assets.
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