General Dynamics produces new computers for Navy aircraft

General Dynamics Corp. will produce the latest version of its advanced onboard computers for installation in select Navy aircraft under a $17.9 million contract.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems will produce Type 3 advanced mission computers (AMC) for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft.

The contractor has delivered F/A-18 AMCs since 2002, according to a company announcement. By 2006, the requirements for AMCs had expanded to include equipping the Navy to retrofit operational aircraft to extend the life of the jets.

The AMC is the nerve center of the aircraft, providing situational awareness and combat systems control to the flight crew.

The computer has a ruggedized, highly reliable system that can process high-speed data flows from the latest sensor technologies.

The AMC performs general-purpose, input/output, video, voice and graphics processing, and it is designed to operate in the extreme environmental conditions of today’s high-performance fighter aircraft.

Production will take place primarily at the General Dynamics facility in Bloomington, Minn., and be completed by the end of 2012.

General Dynamics Corp., of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.