New GenDyn mission computers for Navy F/A-18s

FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Type-3 advanced mission computers for U.S. Navy F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft are to be produced by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.

The upgraded system is the "nerve center" of the aircraft and provides situational awareness and combat systems control by processing high-speed data rates from aircraft sensors.

The integrated information processing system also performs general purpose video, voice and graphics processing.

"By leveraging commercial off-the-shelf technologies and an open architecture, we are helping the Navy keep lifecycle costs down, while strengthening mission-critical performance capabilities for the flight crew," said John van Dyke, senior director, Sensors and Processing at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "We look forward to continuing to provide the Navy with our cost-effective, low-risk solution that addresses obsolescence, increases flexibility and helps the nation and its allies advance their mission."

The current AMC on the two aircraft types have been supplied by General Dynamics since 2002.

General Dynamics said that under the $16.2 million award it will also deliver the system to Australia. Work is to be completed by March of 2016.