NASHUA, N.H., 26 January 2005. BAE Systems recently received a $6.6 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to design, develop and demonstrate technologies that support the Radio Frequency Guided Munitions (RFGM) program.
RFGM is planned as a passive, all-weather, and inexpensive precision Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for use on a number of different weapons. The system will be able to home in and destroy an enemy's radio communications or jamming device. The RFGM will be able to seek targets operating in a range from 30 megahertz to three gigahertz.
During the nine-month Phase 1 effort, BAE Systems' Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, N.H., will design and develop the Radio Frequency antenna and receiver hardware, and signal processing software to detect, discriminate, and geolocate an RF emitter.
Aaron Penkacik, vice president of the company's Advanced Systems and Technology organization, said, "We have a world class team that brings together BAE Systems' experience in signal processing, inertial measurement units, and munitions know-how to address this critical war fighter need."
The BAE Systems team includes Draper Laboratories and BAE Systems Land Systems. At the end of Phase 1, BAE Systems will test and demonstrate the system's performance against multiple emitter types.
DARPA's goal is to demonstrate that an 81mm mortar round is capable of receiving RF communications signals, determining the location of the emitter, and maneuvering in flight to impact near the target emitter.
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defense systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than $20 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is one of America's foremost national security, aerospace and information systems companies. It is a leading provider of electronic and information-based systems and knowledge-based solutions that meet our customers' mission effectiveness and operational safety needs. BAE Systems North America employs more than 30,000 people at sites across the United States and the United Kingdom and generates more than $5 billion in annual sales.
BAE Systems' Information & Electronic Systems Integration Sector (IESI) is a leader in situational awareness, electronic attack and defensive systems solutions for the U.S. battle space market. It provides and supports innovative capabilities-based solutions for U.S. Defense, Intelligence and Homeland Security customers. IESI's 9,500 employees are located in eight states and several overseas locations. The Information & Electronic Warfare Systems business unit is headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. For more information, see www.iews.na.baesystems.com.
