Rockwell Collins gets Canadian Navy networking deal

Rockwell Collins Inc. will furnish technology support to the Canadian Navy that makes it possible to establish ad hoc, IP networks for tactical information sharing under a $7 million contract.

The Navy uses the ad hoc networks to enhance situational awareness and collaborative planning by the Canadian Navy and coalition partners. The technology includes built-in text chat, a comprehensive signal display and a remote control graphic user interface.

The Canadian Department of National Defense awarded the contract to Rockwell Collins. Under the agreement, the company will provide sub-net relay controllers, high speed modems and very high speed modems for the Sub-Net Relay program, company officials said.  The U.S. Navy uses the same technology, the officials said.

Line-of-sight radios are used to give tactical commanders a data networking system under their local control.

The contract calls for the initial delivery of 83 Sub-Net Relay systems, along with training and support. Future contract provisions include the completion of technical studies along with a potential order of up to additional 53 SNR nodes, company officials said. Work will be performed at the Rockwell Collins facility in Ottawa, Canada.

Rockwell Collins, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa., ranks No. 35 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.