CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, 28 July 2009. Radio communications experts at Rockwell Collins (COL) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are providing network centric military communications equipment to the Canadian navy to establish ad hoc, Internet-Protocol (IP) shipboard communications networks for tactical data exchanges, enhanced situational awareness and collaborative planning for Canadian navy warships.

Rockwell Collins is providing sub-net relay controllers (SNC-2050), high speed modems (HSM-2050) and very high speed modems (VHSM-3000) for the Canadian Sub-Net Relay (SNR) navy communications program under terms of a $7 million contract from the Canadian Department of National Defence.

SNR technology makes it possible to establish ad hoc, Internet-Protocol (IP) maritime communications networks used for tactical data exchanges, enhanced situational awareness and collaborative planning by the Canadian Navy and coalition navies. Features of the SNR program include built-in text chat, comprehensive signal display, and a remote-control graphic user interface.

"Our modems will help provide modernized, secure networked communication systems for the military that mirror the type of IP-based technology we've become accustomed to in our daily lives," says Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

SNR primarily uses line-of-sight radio assets in the VHF and UHF bands to provide tactical commanders a data networking system under their local control.

The contract calls for the initial delivery of 83 SNR systems. Work will be at the Rockwell Collins facility in Ottawa. For more information contact Rockwell Collins online at www.rockwellcollins.com.