Navy contracts Mikros for pilot programs

PRINCETON, N.J., May 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy announced the selection of Mikros Systems Corp. for two Navy programs to design and pilot shipboard network technologies.

Mikros was awarded the Navy contracts to pilot the company's AIRchitect-EMC wireless network design tool, which officials say allows the Navy to optimize shipboard network design. Mikros and subcontractor Intelli-Check-Mobilisa originally developed the AIRchitect-EMC under a Navy phase II development deal.

Under the first pilot program, Mikros will use its AIRchitect-EMC to help design a shipboard network and install it on two Navy LHD amphibious assault class ships. Under the second pilot program Mikros will work on network design studies with its AIRchitect-EMC for the new USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.

"We have worked closely with the Navy's technical experts in Charleston (S.C.) and San Diego to develop a tool tailored to the unique demands of shipboard operation," Tom Meaney, Mikros president, said in a statement.

"If these programs are successful, we expect there will be many future opportunities to apply AIRchitect-EMC more broadly as the Navy continues to expand wireless network deployments."