Three to develop Army ground communications gear

Three companies have won contracts to develop prototypes for the Army's Ground Soldier Ensemble program.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, Raytheon Co. and Rockwell Collins will each provide 10 prototypes for the program, officials at the Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command said April 15.

The Ground Soldier Ensemble program will provide infantry with wearable communications devices designed to enhance situational awareness and improve the ability to distinguish between friendly and enemy troops. The ensembles, which are considered crucial to network-centric warfare efforts, consist of radios, batteries, software, body armor and combat helmets.

The three contracts are valued at about $12 million each, according to contract documents. They include roughly $5 million for the prototype development, and additional funds for refinements.