ITT Exelis (XLS) has been awarded a Rapid Equipping Force contract to provide Mission Command On the Move (MCOTM) systems for the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea.
Called Global Network on the Move-Active Distribution, or GNOMAD, the system provides broadband, on-the-move, satellite connectivity through the integration of several commercial-off-the-shelf products. It delivers a combat-proven, modular, reliable communications system to extend critical network connectivity to the lowest possible echelon on the battlefield.
The contract award is in support of the unit’s operational needs statement that required a MCOTM system to support contingency missions in South Korea. Exelis also provided GNOMAD systems for the 4th Infantry Division while it was deployed to Iraq in 2011. The systems being delivered will have the same configuration as those used in Network Integration Exercise 12.1 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., that hosted mission command applications such as Command Post of the Future.
“GNOMAD will help our 2nd Infantry Division customer maintain situational awareness and exercise mission command applications while on the move,” said Ken Harrison, vice president of Communications Solutions business at ITT Exelis Electronic Systems. “This technology provides an affordable bridge or alternative to current program of record systems and is available now for easy integration into the host communications platform.”
GNOMAD’s reduced size, weight and power make it a viable solution for integration into multiple U.S. Army ground platforms, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV), M1(V) Abrams, M2 Bradleys, and Strykers. Possible mission command applications for these vehicles could include Digital Video Broadcast SATCOM Second Generation through the Viasat Linkway S2 modem.
The new systems will first be used in an upcoming exercise in South Korea and then, pending Army and unit approval, remain in country with the 2nd Infantry Division. Under the contract, Exelis will provide the GNOMAD systems, a field service representative and integration support.
ITT Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets. Exelis is a leader in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in cyber security, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. Headquartered in McLean, Va., the company employs about 20,500 people and generated 2011 sales of $5.8 billion.
