Article Posted on : - May 11, 2011

WIN-T - The Army's Integrating Communications Network. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

GAITHERSBURG (BNS): Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $105 million contract General Dynamics C4 Systems, the prime contractor for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T), for producing additional communications equipment for WIN-T, Increment 2.

WIN-T Increment 2 delivers on-the-move broadband networking capability using satellite and radio links, focusing on mobile formations to allow nodes to operate on-the-move from Division and Brigade down to Company levels.

"This increment of WIN-T allows commanders to stay connected from company through division echelons, which is greatly needed in today’s dynamic battlefield environment," Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems with Lockheed Martin’s IS&GS-Defense, was quoted as saying in a Lockheed Martin news release.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver transmission subsystem radios, modems, antennas and mast systems that will be integrated into a variety of combat vehicle platforms.

The transmission subsystem provides the foundation for the WIN-T network’s data transfer capability over a highly dispersed, non-contiguous area. Integrating SATCOM, line-of-sight and terrestrial waveforms, this “self healing” network provides high-bandwidth, on-the-move connectivity which dynamically switches between terrestrial and satellite waveforms, depending on the terrain.

The next iteration, WIN-T Increment 3, introduces an airborne network node to the WIN-T system as well as increased network reliability and capacity; smaller and more tightly integrated communications and networking gear for users.

Other members of the WIN-T team include BAE Systems, Harris Corp. and L-3 Communications.