DRS to build vehicle computers for Army

DRS Technologies Inc. will deliver rugged computing and display systems to the Army to use for next-generation vehicles and systems.

Under the terms of the contract, DRS of Parsippany, N.J., will build and assemble JV-5 ultra-rugged vehicle computing and display systems for the Army. The systems are for the Army's Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below and Blue Force Tracking programs.

The JV-5 vehicle computing system includes a variety of new technologies, such as multicore processors, increased memory, and greater storage and expansion capability to accommodate enable future technology improvements.

DRS Tactical Systems, based in Melbourne, Fla., will manufacture the systems and expects to begin delivering them in May. The company will install the computing systems on more than 40 types of wheeled and tracked vehicles, as well as at tactical operations centers and other command posts.

The computing systems will help troops in grasping the location of friendly and enemy forces on the battlefield.

DRS of Parsippany, N.J., ranks No. 30 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.