Innovative Concepts, Inc. awarded $6.8 Million to Provide Next Generation On-Board Flight Program for U.S. Army Aviation Improved Data Modem (IDM)
08 April 2003
Innovative Concepts, Inc. awarded $6.8 million to provide next generation on-board flight program for U.S. Army Aviation Improved Data Modem (IDM).
Innovative Concepts, Inc. enhances flight software for tactical data communications.
McLean, VA – April 8, 2003 -- U.S. Army Aviation has awarded Innovative Concepts, Inc., the global leader in IDM Technology™, a $6.8 million contract for the development of the next generation of the Improved Data Modem (IDM) Army Operational Flight Program Software Version 7.0. Army Aviation uses IDM V303™/IDM V304™ to provide digital connectivity among airborne and ground platforms using existing radios and crypto equipment. The IDM is a lightweight, six-channel tactical modem/router that provides the critical data link required between ground and Army Aviation units. It also provides the vital air-to-air transmission of target data between IDM-equipped attack aircraft. This air-to-air data communications allows the flight leader to assign individual targets to members of the flight as well as to collect and assess battle damage reports.
In addition, with its FBCB2-Air technology, the IDM delivers Tactical Internet capabilities directly to the cockpit. The Tactical Internet, implemented via IDM Technology™, permits rapid, accurate target engagement, efficient fire support synchronization, and a significant reduction in the potential for friendly fire incidents. By adopting digital data transfer, situational awareness is enhanced because friendly and enemy unit location information can be automatically updated and displayed to all units.
The IDM is not only fully compatible with the Tactical Internet; it can also transmit and receive the full spectrum of Variable Message Format (VMF) messages and interconnects the military's major networks in both maneuver and fire support. The IDM also provides critical linkage to the military's legacy data communications systems of AFAPD, TACFIRE, MTS and IDL.
The scheduled enhancements for IDM V7.0 include: more fully integrating Army Aviation into the Tactical Internet by adding support for EPLRS radios, improved Situational Awareness processing and Blue Force Awareness, improved non-line-of-sight reach by adding support for HF and SATCOM radios, and adding additional support for VMF messages for use by FBCB2-Air.
The U.S. Army has designated IDM Technology™ for installation on every helicopter in the Army inventory, including the Apache Longbow, Kiowa Warrior, Chinook, and Blackhawk. The new RAH-66 Comanche will receive a software-only version of IDM Technology™ for use in its Integrated Communications, Navigation, and Identification Avionics (ICNIA) system. IDM Technology™ has been successfully employed in Operation Enduring Freedom and in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to use by U.S. Army Aviation, IDM Technology™ is deployed on several foreign platforms worldwide.
About Innovative Concepts, Inc.
Innovative Concepts, Inc. is a communications technology development firm specializing in the research, design, development, production and support of wireless data communications products and services. Dedicated to delivering innovative products and services to the defense community, Innovative Concepts, Inc. collaborates with its customers to help them communicate more effectively and operate more efficiently. Our expertise includes: the product suite of IDM Technology™, software and systems engineering, hardware development, and aerospace technical services.
