15 Jul 04. DRS Technologies, Inc. is being awarded a new $69m contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide significant improvements to test and evaluation range capabilities under the Enhanced Range Applications Program (EnRAP). EnRAP is expected to provide next-generation test and evaluation range data systems to U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy test ranges to meet Department of Defense requirements for comprehensive testing of advanced combat systems. EnRAP is an Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)-sponsored, tri-service range modernization program for ten Major Range Test Facility Bases (MRTFB) located across the United States to support technically demanding systems, such as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), F-22 Raptor, F-117 Nighthawk, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, V-22 Osprey, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and SH-60R Seahawk helicopter. EnRAP, a development and production program, is a phased-in replacement for the Advanced Range Data System (ARDS) also produced by DRS and will provide state-of-the-art data link encryption and wireless data link technology, as well as unprecedented precise position information through more accurate and enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial Time Space Position Information (TSPI) technologies. Initial funding of $10.2m was received by DRS from the U.S. Air Force Air Armament Center (AAC) Range Instrumentation Support (RIS) office at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Work for this contract will be accomplished by the company’s DRS Training & Control Systems unit in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Development is expected to continue through July 2007, followed by production, which will continue through 2010.

14 Jul 04. Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) has won a competitive development contract from the United States Air Force Joint Program Office (USAF JPO) to provide next generation GPS Advanced Digital Antenna Production (ADAP) systems. This key technology programme is worth, with options, around $50m: the first increment of work is valued at nearly $8m.

01 Jul 04. EADS will equip 150 soldiers of the German ISAF contingent in Afghanistan with the new future soldier system known as “Infanterist der Zukunft” (IdZ) (“Infantryman of the future”) thus considerably enhancing the protection of the individual soldier during dangerous operations. As the company announced on Thursday, the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement has awarded EADS Defence Electronics an order (total value of approx. EUR 10 mn.) for the delivery of 15 IdZ systems, each one for 10 soldiers. Due to substantial investment by industry, the first system has been handed over to the Army Inspector, General Hans-Otto Budde, on 1 July 2004 at the Hammelburg Infantry School. It is also planned to equip further infantry units with the IoF system. EADS Defence Electronics, leading the consortium of the “Projekthaus System Soldat” (System Soldier Project House) and the Bundeswehr, has devised a new equipment concept for infantrymen under the title “Infantryman of the Future”. Not only does the individual infantryman have a bullet-proof vest made of modern materials and atomic, biological and chemical (ABC) protection incorporating state-of-the-art technology, but also night vision equipment, a digital navigation and communication device with GPS and tactical speech and data communication as well as improved weapons.

08 Jul 04. Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH of Kiel has been awarded a contract to supply the German Army with 32 airportable “Wiesel 2 Mobile Command Post” light armoured vehicles. The contract is worth some €31m. These high-tech vehicles will be delivered over a two-year period starting mid 2005. The recently concluded contract includes an option for a further 16 vehicles for delivery in 2008. Back in April 2004, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, a subsidiary of the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall DeTec group, had already received a €4 million-order for four Wiesel 2 vehic