EMS to support F-22 MADL upgrade

ATLANTA, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. company Lockheed Martin has contracted EMS Technologies Inc. to support the F-22 Raptor Multi-function Advanced Data Link system upgrade.

EMS says its Defense and Space unit was awarded the contract from Lockheed Martin. Under the approximately $3.7 million deal, EMS will support the F-22 MADL system upgrade with the development of an electronically steered, switched-beam antenna.

Officials say the MADL system upgrade is part of an effort by Lockheed Martin to improve the F-22's network-centric operations among differing types of aircraft including the F-35 fighter and potentially others.

"Our national defense posture increasingly depends on deploying more and more cross-platform networked communications to improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness," Mike Fatig, EMS Defense and Space vice president of business development, said in a statement.

"As EMS continues to provide key upgrades and maintenance support to the F-22 fleet, this particular upgrade will provide interoperability with F-35 and other aircraft platforms."