Textron Systems Awarded Contract for Final Development of Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) for U.S. Army
Share:
IMS Prototype to be Displayed at 2006 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition
Wilmington, MA.- October 6, 2006 - Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced that it has been awarded a $115M contract for the system design and development phase of Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) by the U.S. Army Project Manager, Close Combat Systems under the Program Executive Officer for Ammunition at Picatinny, New Jersey.
A core component of the Army's Future Combat Systems initiative, IMS is a revolutionary networked sensor and munition system that brings unprecedented situational awareness and terrain control to the battlefield. IMS is a uniquely effective ground-based wide-area top-attack system for detecting, classifying and engaging enemy systems in the battlefield. Ellen Lord, Textron Systems' vice president of Intelligent Battlefield Systems, points out that IMS builds on the technology and development of several Textron Systems programs, including Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW), Spider and Hornet, along with the company's urban and tactical Unattended Ground Sensors for Future Combat System (FCS-UGS) and similar products selected by several government agencies.
Textron Systems' IMS solution uses a proven top-attack mechanism found in the company's Sensor Fuzed Weapon. IMS also offers similar, yet enhanced sensor capabilities as FCS-UGS; sensing nodes, networked together, that can identify a broad range of targets and feed that vital information to the Warfighter. This blend of sensor intelligence and precision munitions enables identification and successful engagement of light-wheeled through heavy-tracked vehicles, as well as enemy personnel. The system is controlled by a soldier who follows established rules of engagement in order to identify friendly forces and non-combatants.
According to Mark Catizone, general manager, Textron Systems, Wilmington Division, "Textron Systems has a successful record of delivering wireless-controlled munitions; IMS represents a natural progression. The key element for IMS is our system integration capability, the key differentiator for designing the optimum solution."
Characterizing IMS as a true force multiplier, Catizone adds that IMS shortens response times by directly linking sensor to shooter. "It brings improved engagement effectiveness, greatly enhanced situational awareness, reduced soldier workload, and improved command and control communications to both current and future Warfighters," he says. "Most significantly, it protects our soldiers and gives them a distinct advantage."
Textron Systems' teammates include Northrop Grumman, ITT Industries and BAE Systems. Low-rate initial production of IMS will start in 2009; delivery is scheduled for 2010, the year in which the U.S. landmine policy calls for halting use of all persistent landmines. IMS will be in full compliance with that policy.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.systems.textron.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Media Contact:
Joanne Walsh
978-657-2482
jwalsh@systems.textron.com
