NEW YORK, 5 Jan. 2006. L-3 Communications announced today that its Communication Systems-West (CS-West) division has made available a full duplex transmit capability for its Rover III Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data link.

Demonstrated in the U.S. Central Command Air Force (CENTAF) Atlantic Strike II Live Fly exercise in Avon Park, Fla., in November 2005, the enhanced Rover III systems provide 360-degree video from an unmanned remote control vehicle, in addition to the broad unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications interoperability for which the systems are known.

During the exercise, the Rover III provided communications for the CENTAF Improvised Explosive Device, Detection, Decoy and Defense (IED4) remote-controlled automobile prototype, demonstrating interoperable joint situational awareness for targeting and real time ISR and proving the operational concept. The Rover III also received real time video from both manned aircraft and UAVs, including aircraft equipped with the Wescam MX-15 sensor system.

This successful integration of the Rover III with the IED4 prototype shows how combined U.S. Air Force and contractor investment can deploy advanced technology to make airpower more precise and responsive. This achievement will help soldiers on the ground engage the enemy from a distance, improving their tactical advantage and saving lives.

"The Rover III is transforming battlefield communications," said Curtis Brunson, president and general manager of CS-West. "Our man-portable ISR communications products give the tactical, engaged warfighter direct access to airborne and ground-based sensors, fundamentally changing the commander's view of the battlefield."

CS-West, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a supplier of wideband data links and mobile surface and airborne satellite terminals for military applications. The company has over 40 years of experience in providing robust, mobile microwave, satellite terminals and wideband data links for airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components.

L-3 also supports a variety of homeland security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies, and aerospace prime contractors. For more information, see www.L-3Com.com.