L-3 to supply joint common remote viewing terminal to U.K. Ministry of Defence

L-3 Communications of New York, NY announced on October 24 that it has been awarded a contract to provide its ROVER^™ family of products in support of a major new communications program for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD). The Joint Common Remote Viewing Terminal (JCRVT) will use L-3’s Tactical Network ROVER handheld transceivers and ROVER 6i transceivers to integrate key U.K. Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) platforms with strike capabilities and maritime platforms. This capability will enable the exchange of ISR information, including full-motion video, across the battlespace via a wideband IP network. The contract value is approximately $23.2 million.

“We have broad expertise in this interoperable, advanced communications technology, which will be a key component of the British Land Forces and Royal Navy’s future communications programs,” said Michael Strianese, L-3’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The U.K. has always been a significant international market for L-3, and we look forward to expanding our partnerships and our footprint with new program positions like JCRVT.”

The L-3 JCRVT solution is based on the highly successful ROVER product family, with over 5,000 systems delivered worldwide. It is designed to be interoperable with current U.K., U.S. and NATO ISTAR platforms and the recently announced U.K. AH-64 Apache E Block upgrade and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. Work will be performed by L-3 Communication Systems-West, which is part of the Broadband Communications sector within L-3’s Communication Systems business segment. The initial contract duration is four years followed by two three-year options.

L-3 is partnering with Ultra Electronics, based in the U.K., which is responsible for repair through an in-country support facility. This facility aligns with the U.K. MOD’s vision to provide a common support methodology for multiple users, reducing logistics and life-cycle support costs.

Source: L-3