AUGUST 5--Smiths Aerospace (Grand Rapids, MI; www.smiths-aerospace.com) has been selected by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems to supply the mission-management processing system (MMPS) for the X-45C Joint--Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS). The initial program includes engineering and hardware to support the J-UCAS X-45C Concept Definition Phase (CDP) vehicles. Smiths anticipates further awards following a successful completion of the CDP.
John Ferrie, president of Smiths Aerospace, commented, "This is a significant win for Smiths. We bring to the unmanned vehicle market strategic technologies that provide enhanced capabilities for the network centric battlespace."
Under this contract Smiths Aerospace will provide mission-management processing and memory storage for the air vehicle. A docking station will also be supplied for the ground-control portion. Smiths' computing platform expertise and experience with common operating software gained from several on-going programs will be applied on the MMPS project. The X-45C MMPS development will also extend Smiths' capabilities in image processing, georegistration, secure processing, and on-board file-server memory-storage systems.
Smiths Aerospace is a transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with more than 10,000 employees and $2 billion sales worldwide. Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, holds positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components, and customer services.
