Article Posted on : - Mar 21, 2011

General Dynamics Itronix’s New GD300 rugged wearable computer enables unprecedented GPS and situational awareness for warfighters. Photo: General Dynamics C4 Systems.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (BNS): The US Army has awarded General Dynamics C4 Systems a $2.3 million contract to provide a prototype, handheld battle command capability that will enable unprecedented network connectivity and increased command, control and situational awareness for dismounted soldiers and Marines.

US Army's JBC-P Handheld Battle Command (HBC) focuses on delivering handheld devices that communicate over government-furnished communication networks.

The devices give dismounted warfighters enhanced levels of battlefield awareness including the opportunity to visualize information that might not otherwise be available such as maps and real-time position location information.

For its prototype design, General Dynamics will provide the rugged, eight-ounce GD300 tactical computer that hosts an 'apps-friendly' operating system.

"With the capabilities of the rugged GD300, combined with mission command applications like TIGR, soldiers and Marines will have the information they need to accomplish their mission more effectively," Kevin Merrigan, vice president of Battle Management Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

Designed to provide dismounted users with situational awareness of events, people and structures, along with chat and texting capabilities, the GD300 also delivers position location information and access to popular military software 'apps' like the Tactical Intelligence Ground Reporting (TIGR) system. When connected to a 'networked device' such as the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) Rifleman radio (AN/PRC-154) or the Iridium satellite communications handset, users will be able to make voice, video or data contact whether in close proximity or miles apart.

Initial deliveries are scheduled for September 2011 when General Dynamics expects to deliver 40 prototype handheld devices for user evaluation and feedback.

During the second phase of the program, up to 250 JBC-P interoperable handheld devices may be purchased as part a contract option.

The Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland is the contracting authority for the handheld device development effort. Work will be done in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Scottsdale, Arizona.