ARLINGTON, Va., 30 May 2006. The General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) team has applied an open architecture and open business model approach to provide the U.S. Navy with the best non-proprietary solutions for Independence, the first General Dynamics ship. Independence -- now under construction in Mobile, Ala., and the second General Dynamics ship -- is expected to be awarded later this year.
"The General Dynamics open architecture approach enables us to provide the Navy with the optimum solution at any point in time and enables us to integrate leading products as they become available," says Mike Tweed-Kent, vice president and general manager of maritime digital systems for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.
General Dynamics' open architecture and open business model approach uses an open architecture technical infrastructure, published interfaces, strict adherence to industry standards, and commercially available products to prevent any contractor from locking a customer into proprietary systems that eliminate competition and limit customer access to alternatives.
The General Dynamics team will conduct an open competition to identify the best combat system capabilities, shipboard electronics, and software for the third General Dynamics LCS and follow-on ships.
To kick off its best-of-industry process, on May 31, 2006, from 8 a.m. to noon (EDT), at the Washington Dulles Marriott at 45020 Aviation Drive in Dulles, Va., the team will share its approach and discuss upcoming opportunities in the next phase of the LCS program for current and potential industry suppliers.
The industry day is open to all suppliers in the areas of command and control, communications, sensors, weapons, effectors, sea frame control, displays and electronics. For more information and to register, visit http://www.gdlcs.com/resources_industry.html
