ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Intra-fire unit communications kits for the Medium Extended Air Defense System have been delivered by U.S. aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin.
The kits are the tactical hardware for the MEADS Internal communications subsystem and will support integration, test and qualification of MEADS elements.
MICS provides secure communications between the MEADS sensors, launchers and battle managers across a high-speed Internet protocol network. Through a capability called "plug-and-fight," sensors, shooters or other battle managers act as nodes on the network.
From the MEADS battle manager, a commander can add or subtract nodes as the situation dictates without shutting down the system. With MICS, these MEADS elements can be positioned for maximum lethality and survivability while maintaining clear, rapid and efficient communication.
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"Our technology helps the warfighter maintain situational awareness and combat superiority," said Rich Russell, director of sensors, data links and advanced programs in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "With MICS, ground units can exchange command, control and status data over a secure network."
The MEADS system combines battlefield protection with new flexibility to protect forces and critical assets against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft. It improves capability to defend troops and critical assets through improvements in range, interoperability, mobility and full 360-degree defense capability against the evolving threat.
MEADS defends up to eight times the coverage area of current sectored systems, with far fewer system assets, and significantly reduces demand for deployed personnel and equipment, which reduces demand for airlift.
MEADS International, a multinational joint venture with headquarters in Orlando, Fla., is the prime contractor for the MEADS system. Major subcontractors and joint venture partners are MBDA in Italy, LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin in the United States.
