BAE SYSTEMS Team Selected for Project Falcon Concept Study Phase

BAE Systems, in partnership with Motorola and Raytheon, has been selected by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence to undertake one of several concept studies into Project FALCON, the British Armed Forces’ future tactical wide area communications system.

The contract, to be fulfilled by the Communications & Defence Infrastructure business of BAE Systems Avionics Group, involves an in-depth investigation into a wide range of enabling technologies, assessment of potential solutions and recommendations for a timely and cost-effective procurement strategy. A key enabler will be taking advantage of the breadth of capability now available from both the defence and commercial communications sectors as military off-the-shelf (MOTS) and civil off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and equipment.

Project FALCON will ultimately encompass the provision of a flexible, secure and easily deployable wide area communication system to replace the existing Ptarmigan and Euromux systems in use by the British Army, and the RTTS system used by the Royal Air Force. The total programme has an estimated value of £400 million. It will provide facilities for subscribers at the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), theatre communications, mobile telephony, and voice, data and fax services: and will interface with related systems such as SKYNET 5 and CORMORANT.

BAE Systems has highly regarded expertise of area communications requirements, supported by world-class prime contracting skills. Experience in the design and upgrade of the existing Ptarmigan area communications system has been enhanced by recent ongoing successes in support of battlespace digitization during the fulfillment of urgent operational requirements in the Balkans, and in the supply of a variety of advanced defence infrastructure solutions.

These have given BAE Systems a full understanding of the interface issues involved in integrating the latest MOTS and COTS technologies, which will ensure that the customer will be provided with a variety of innovative, enhanceable and fully-costed technical solution options.

Motorola and will focus on various aspects of Project FALCON, including pulling through US experience, interoperability and communications innovation.

Motorola is a global force in military communications and information systems, providing numerous situational awareness solutions to defence customers worldwide. The company has been operating in the United Kingdom since 1967 and employs around 10,000 people in research, development, manufacturing and marketing, being the largest manufacturing employer in Scotland and one of the UK’s top ten exporters. It brings to the team extensive knowledge of commercial communications, the incorporation of which will be a key aspect of the study. Raytheon, which has a strong indigenous design and manufacturing capability in the UK, and extensive experience in battlefield management systems and networks technology, will contribute expertise in satellite communications and global leadership in both troposcatter and high level tactical internet architectures.

Other specialist companies – including CHR Design, Dytecna and Flagship Training –have joined the partnership to provide input on security management, vehicle integration, power generation, installation and through-life support.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company.

BAE Systems employs more than 100,000 people, in nine home markets around the world and has annual sales of some £12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products.