ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, Md., May 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has ordered more cryptographic units that provide secure communications for combat systems force identification from Raytheon Co.
The order for more than 1,900 KIV-77 Mode 4/5 units is worth $20.7 million.
"Raytheon's KIV-77 represents the next generation in secured combat identification for U.S. and coalition forces," said Brian McKeon, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems' Integrated Communications Systems. "The ultimate goal of this enhanced technology is the prevention of fratricide.
"This significant award reflects confidence in Raytheon to produce this critical, leading technology so vital to protecting the warfighter in battle."
The new order from the Air Force brings Raytheon's orders for the KIV-77 to more than 3,600 units, including the program's low-rate initial production phase. About 1,000 KIV-77 units were delivered ahead of contract schedule during low-rate production.
Raytheon said it is under a contract that allows for additional KIV-77 orders with deliveries continuing into 2014.
The company expects this unit to be in continual production through 2020.
