Next-Generation Land Mine Jammers Will Be Linked to Network

21-Oct-2009 13:50 EDT  |  Related Stories: Americas - USA, Contracts - Awards, Design Innovations, ECM, Electronics - General, Explosives, IT - Networks & Bandwidth, New Systems Tech, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, R&D - Contracted

IEDs: The Aftermath
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The US military is working on the next-generation of jammers to defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that pose such a grave threat to US forces deployed overseas.

The next-generation devices, whether mounted, dismounted, or fixed, will be linked by wireless communication to ensure that IEDs are detected and disabled wherever they are. Currently, jammers work in either a mounted or dismounted role, which reduces their flexibility and interoperability. With the new system, one device will be able to protect foot soldiers, vehicles, and permanent structures from IEDs at the same time.

The next-generation jammers, called Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.3 devices, will be based on an open architecture system of systems that will be able to exchange data.

Two companies recently won contracts to begin development of JCREW 3.3…

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Sierra Nevada Gets $106.9M in Dismounted Counter-IED Jammer Orders

24-Sep-2009 10:46 EDT  |  Related Stories: Contracts - Awards, Mines & Remote

Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV received 2 follow-up orders to supply Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.1 dismounted systems to meet the requirements of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dismounted JCREW systems are electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED).

Under the original contract (N00024-09-C-6306) awarded June 2009, Sierra Nevada is to provide up to 2,500 JCREW 3.1 dismounted systems, support equipment and services, and additional long-lead time material, for a total contract value of $248.3 million.

Sierra has received 2 contract modifications on that original contract worth $106.9 million to supply parts and material for the JCREW dismounted systems…

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Up to $700M to SRCTec for US Army CREW Duke V2 Upgrades

02-Sep-2009 18:49 EDT  |  Related Stories: Americas - USA, Contracts - Awards, ECM, Field Innovations, Mines & Remote, New Systems Tech, Other Corporation, Other Equipment - Land

CREW Duke V2 System

The US Army Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command awarded SRCTec a 5-year indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (W15P7T-09-D-M615) worth up to $700 million for Counter Remote Control Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) Duke V2 system upgrades. The initial order is worth $188 million.

The SRCTec CREW Duke system is a vehicle-mounted electronic jammer designed to prevent the remote detonation of land mines. The CREW Duke V2 is the US Army’s CREW 2.0 system, comparable to the Joint CREW (JCREW) 2.1, according to Lisa Mondello, a SRCTec spokesperson. The Duke V2 Upgrade improves the Duke’s capability to the level of the JCREW 3.2 system, she added. For DID coverage of the JCREW systems, click here.

The CREW Duke system was developed to provide US forces protection against a range of RCIED threats…

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Up to $248.3M to Sierra Nevada for Dismounted Counter-IED Jammers

11-Jun-2009 19:23 EDT  |  Related Stories: Americas - USA, Asia - Central, Contracts - Awards, ECM, Middle East - Other, Mines & Remote, New Systems Tech, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV won a $36.5 million firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-only contract for production of Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.1 dismounted systems to meet the requirements of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dismounted JCREW systems are electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED). ITT Corp., which supplies the JCREW 2.1 vehicle mounted system, and Northrop Grumman were also competing for this contract.

According to the FedBizOpps solicitation, Sierra Nevada will provide 200 JCREW 3.1 dismounted systems, support equipment and services, and additional long-lead time material. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would result in Sierra Nevada supplying an additional 2,300 systems for a cumulative value of $248.3 million. The contract includes 9,000 hours of engineering support services (ESS) for the initial 200 systems and 13,000 hours of ESS for the option quantity of 2,300 systems, field service representative support in-theater, depot level repair material and services, spares, and associated technical data.

Sierra Nevada will perform the work in Sparks, NV (90%) and Rancho Cordova, CA (10%), and expects to complete it by December 2010. This contract was competitively procured via the FedBizOpps website, with 3 proposals solicited and 3 offers received by the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC (N00024-09-C-6306). See also Sierra Nevada release.

ITT Wins Contracts for Land Mine Jammers

12-Mar-2009 16:48 EDT  |  Related Stories: Americas - USA, Contracts - Awards, ECM, Other Corporation

On April 2/07, BB&T Capital Markets upgraded EDO Corporation to “buy,” in part because they thought EDO was well positioned to win a part of the $200-$500 million Counter- Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) contracts going forward. Those contracts appear to have come through, with awards for the system EDO now calls the CVRJ (CREW Vehicle Receiver/Jammer). The Pentagon refers to Spiral 2.1 Vehicle Mounted CREW systems, which are one element of the DoD’s Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.

CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the remote detonation of land mines. These are often triggered by off-the-shelf technology like cell phones, in order to avoid visible wires. EDO makes the Warlock jammer, a derivative of its earlier “Shortstop” product.

As the USA buys and fields more mine-resistant MRAP vehicles, IED jammers like the CVRJ and “Lockheed’s” Symphony are a natural accompaniment. A fact that should make EDO’s new owner ITT very happy – and has, thanks to a $1+ billion contract that continues to attract large delivery orders.

If only these devices were as widespread in movie theaters and performance halls….

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Bittersweet Symphony: Lockheed & A-V Deliver Anti-IED Devices

28-Jan-2009 11:49 EST  |  Related Stories: Americas - Other, Americas - USA, Australia & S. Pacific, Contracts - Awards, Delivery & Task Orders, ECM, Europe - Other, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Mines & Remote, New Systems Tech, Other Corporation, Partnerships & Consortia

Symphony on Iraqi vehicle
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Vehicle mounted systems are one element of the USA’s Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW 2) program. Lockheed Martin’s Symphony IED Jammer System is a programmable, vehicle mounted radio-frequency IED jammer with a role that’s similar to other fielded systems including Elisra’s EJAB, as well as ICE and ITT’s Warlock/ JCREW.

Neither Lockheed nor the Army are releasing details concerning the Symphony system, but it is known to come from the Canadian/UK firm Allen-Vanguard, who also acts in this capacity for General Dynamics ATP via their Med-Eng subsidiary. Outside the USA, Allen-Vanguard supplies jamming devices directly to Canada, Australia, and various European militaries. Symphony orders are continuing, and the latest addition reaches back several months to highlight its deployment with Iraqi forces…

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ITT Corp. Acquires EDO in $1.7B Deal

18-Sep-2007 20:42 EDT  |  Related Stories: Americas - USA, Mergers & Acquisitions, Other Corporation

ITT Corporation of White Plains, NY and has reached a definitive agreement for ITT to purchase all outstanding shares of NYC-based EDO Corp. for $56 per share in cash. Including approximately $120 million of net debt and the anticipated conversion of convertible notes, this transaction values EDO at $1.7 billion. The transaction is subject to approval by EDO’s shareholders, as well as customary closing and regulatory conditions; it is expected to close in early 2008. Lazard LLC and UBS Investment Bank are acting as financial advisors to ITT, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is legal counsel. EDO’s financial advisor is Citigroup, and their legal counsel is Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

Both companies are mid-market defense firms, and have been mentioned in takeover rumors; their merger continues existing trends in information technology, communication, and high-tech field equipment. ITT is a global leader in water and fluid transport, treatment, and control technology, who also has direct defense applications via communications and electronics, space surveillance systems, intelligence systems; and advanced engineering. EDO has about 4,000 employees; its strengths include mobile networking and integration, interference cancellation and antennas, advanced engineering, and interference creation via electronic jammers.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2007, EDO’s revenue was up 83% to $501.4 million vs. the first half of 2006, and EDO’s revised Q2 guidance [PDF] forecast 2007 total revenue of $1.1 – $1.15 billion. ITT generated $7.8 billion in 2006 sales, and expects the acquisition to be neutral to its earnings per share in 2008, and accretive thereafter. The firm adds that the acquisition will give them roles in key initiatives such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship, counter improvised explosive device (IED) programs, and the Coast Guard Deepwater programs. Other than the JCREW anti-IED contracts, however, all of the programs mentioned present some level of procurement risk due to cost and schedule issues. ITT release.