ORLANDO, Fla., June 16 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin in Florida delivered the first intra-fire unit communications kit qualified for use with the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System.
This kit, also known as the MEADS Internal Communications Subsystem Message Routing Subsystem provides secure tactical communications between the MEADS sensors, launchers and tactical operations centers across a high-speed Internet protocol network.
With MICS, those MEADS elements can be tactically positioned for maximum lethality and survivability while maintaining clear, rapid and efficient communication.
Lockheed said MICS provides plug-and-fight technology for streamlined data exchange and its self-forming network eliminates the need for a fixed network infrastructure.
"This delivery provides an unprecedented capability for the battlefield," said Rich Russell, director of Sensors, Data Links and Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The MICS Message Routing Subsystem will increase combat readiness with reliable high-speed, secure data communications and interconnectivity for combat operations."
MEADS was designed to meet the challenging new requirements not addressed by any previous or planned Air and Missile Defense system.
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.
