SAIC to support AF microwave research

Science Applications International Corp. won a five-year, $49.9 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico to develop techniques and approaches for high-power microwave components and systems, company officials said.

SAIC's Applied Sciences Operation in Albuquerque, N.M., won the contract through the Air Force's Directed Energy Directorate. The contract supports the Air Force's high power microwave program.

SAIC will develop new technologies and do applications research and development in pulsed power and HPMs.

"SAIC has a strategic interest in the development of HPM systems and in transitioning them to support our soldiers in the field," said Ray Johnson, senior vice president and general manager of SAIC's Advanced Concepts Business Unit.

SAIC's team includes 25 subcontractors. The program is expected to support 150 jobs in the Albuquerque area.