DRS unit to build battlefield computers

DRS Technologies Inc. won a five-year, $100 million contract from the U.S. Army's Communications-Electronics Command in Fort Monmouth, N.J., to produce battlefield computer systems.

Under the indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract, DRS' tactical systems unit in Palm Bay, Fla., will design and manufacture processors, displays, keyboards and rugged hard drives for the Army's Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below program.

The Army program is focused on the development of a digital battle command information system to provide commanders, leaders and soldiers with improved data for command and control and enhanced situational awareness.

The computer system provides improved combat support, real-time command and control capabilities and interoperability with external command and control sensor systems.

"These systems have proven to be crucial assets for our forces in Iraq as part of the Army's network-centric communication infrastructure by providing improved interoperability and networked battlefield command information," said Steven Schorer, president of DRS' command, control, communication, computers, and intelligence group.

DRS has delivered more than 9,000 computer systems on or ahead of schedule for the last four years under a low rate initial production contract. The new contract is a step-up to full-rate production.

Based in Parsippany, N. J., DRS supplies defense electronics to defense, government intelligence and commercial customers. The company employs 5,800 workers worldwide and had revenue of $1 billion for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.