FALLS CHURCH, Va., 29 Sept. 2009. Raytheon Company has established initial operational capability and has conducted flight tests for a key radio communications component for the safety critical U.S. Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS).

The new intercom communications system, Crew Communications (Crew Comm), modernizes peer-to-peer collaboration between intelligence operators regardless of geographic location. The multiple-level security system is designed to support enterprise-wide execution of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The system is the first "Protection Level 4" accredited and deployed VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology that includes a sophisticated information assurance component for the Department of Defense intelligence community, says a representative. Crew Comm is an Enterprise Intercom product suite that enables DCGS mission crew members to communicate in real time regardless of geographical distance or security boundaries.

"This system provides the best peer-to-peer communications for the men and women responsible for providing intelligence information to our warfighters," says Anthony DiFurio, director of Multi-Intelligence Systems for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS) business. "With security between different levels built-in, the system delivers world-class information safely and securely for intelligence analysts across the globe."

Crew Comm will provide enhanced communication to and from pilots and sensor operators that will increase intelligence collection to enhance warfighter needs.

When completed later this year, Crew Comm will connect more than 500 pilots, operators, and analysts.