The Canadian Army has chosen Rockwell Collins to deliver its Android-based joint-fires solution for the service’s digitally-assisted close air support (DACAS) system.
The joint-fires system will be provided to digitally connect airborne platforms and ground-based joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) using a smartphone.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Under the terms of the deal, Rockwell Collins will develop and service 100 joint-fires applications with the potential for follow-on options.
The company is expected to validate its first systems by mid-2017, allowing the Canadian Army use them in the multinational Bold Quest exercise to be conducted later this year.
Under the agreement, Rockwell Collins will also offer in-country service and support in Canada for up to ten years.
Rockwell Collins Canada managing director Lee Obst said: “Migrating away from hardware solutions to commercial off-the-shelf technology drives down cost and provides user-friendly and updatable platforms.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“The Android joint-fires solution is a great example of leveraging cutting-edge technology for military purposes.”
The wearable Android-based system offers a lightweight and user-friendly solution to the Canadian Army, in addition to maintaining complete digital interoperability with a wide range of coalition aircraft and artillery systems.
The joint-fires solution will be developed in Richardson, Texas, US, while Rockwell Collins Canada will directly provide support to the country’s army.
For more than 20 years, Rockwell Collins’ joint-fires solutions have been in service with the US Department of Defense (DoD), US Air Force Tactical Air Control Party programme, Nato and coalition forces.
Image: The Canadian Army selected Rockwell Collins’ joint-fires solution for its digitally-assisted close air support system. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
