Firms join over counter-IED contract

TUCSON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Arizona's Applied Energetics and L-3 Interstate Electronics have teamed to pursue a contract for systems that counter improvised explosive devices.

Applied Energetics said it would be the prime contractor under the arrangement. Details of the contract they wish to pursue together, however, weren't disclosed.

"We are very pleased to be able to work closely with L-3 Interstate Electronics Corporation and formalize the relationship that has been growing between our companies," said Joseph Hayden, president and chief operating officer of Applied Energetics. "L-3 IEC has been providing field support for our counter-IED systems and their responsiveness, professionalism and quality of personnel have been superb.

"This agreement is expected to allow us to leverage their experience and capabilities to establish a solid reputation for delivering quality electronics to the (Department of Defense) and commercial customers."

The agreement will provide Applied Energetics a leading engineering, technical and manufacturing group capability and it intends to focus its efforts in technical areas requiring high voltage electronics, systems integration, systems testing and development for support of advanced counter-IED technologies, the company said.