Digital Angel launches S.C. Guard flight tracking system

Digital Angel Corp. began work this month on a satellite-based tracking system for the South Carolina Army National Guard under a one-year contract worth $3.2 million.

The St. Paul, Minn., company will demonstrate the capability of its satellite-based, automatic flight-following system through a pilot project to be conducted by its OuterLink business unit.

Contract terms call for the company to integrate the new system with National Guard equipment, including helicopter and ground vehicle operations, as well as to test and operate it.

The new system will enhance communications and operations for the helicopter and ground vehicle fleets at the McEntire National Guard Base at Eastover, S.C.

The system also will deliver secure and interoperable wireless communications with existing communications used by the Homeland Security Department and other federal or state public safety agencies.

Digital Angel offers identification, location tracking and condition monitoring products and services. The company has more than 300 employees and annual sales of $56.8 million, according to Hoover's Online of Austin, Texas.