Exelis and Iridium successfully demonstrate new DTCS Global Services supporting inter-theater, on-the-move communications
December 19 2014 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Exelis (NYSE:XLS) and Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM)
have successfully demonstrated a new global-reach communications
capability for the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA)
Distributed Tactical Communication System (DTCS).
The capability, once deployed, will advance the Department of
Defense’s critical satellite communications network, bringing
secure, reliable and truly global communications services to users
in the defense and intelligence community operating anywhere on
Earth.
In partnership with DISA’s Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services
(EMSS) program office, the team demonstrated real-time,
push-to-talk voice and data communications that connected users in
regions across the globe, including Virginia, Arizona, Hawaii,
Alaska, Australia and locations within the Arctic Circle. Multiple
radios deployed within each region demonstrated the ability to
simultaneously connect with those nearby as well as with others
thousands of miles away.
“This successful demonstration is the first step in a major
capability evolution for DTCS,” said Mark Adams, vice president and
general manager of the Exelis specialty applications business. “We
remain committed to DISA’s goal of providing DTCS users with more
powerful communication tools and an improved overall user
experience, regardless of global location.”
The global services capability will provide command and control,
as well as situational awareness, through inter-theater,
on-the-move communications between distributed tactical units and
multiple echelons of command around the world. The demonstration
was carried out by leveraging currently fielded technology, with
some enhancements made to software and DISA communications
infrastructure.
“Industry has worked closely with the U.S. government to rapidly
develop these new DTCS Global Services capabilities,” said Scott
Scheimreif, executive vice president, government programs, Iridium.
“In an era of declining budgets, leveraging Iridium’s global
satellite network has enabled the Department of Defense to deploy
advanced technology with specialized capabilities for the
warfighter at a fraction of the cost and schedule of typical
military systems.”
Exelis received the DTCS Global Services contract from the EMSS
program office in May 2013. Since then, the company has worked
collaboratively with Iridium and DoD representatives to define a
capability roadmap for the global satellite communication
system.
About Exelis
Exelis is a diversified, global aerospace, defense and
information solutions company that leverages a 50-year legacy of
deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver
affordable, mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are
a leader in positioning and navigation, sensors, air traffic
management solutions, image processing and distribution,
communications and information systems, and focused on strategic
growth in the areas of critical networks, ISR and analytics,
electronic warfare and composite aerostructures. Headquartered in
McLean, Virginia, Exelis employs approximately 10,000 people and
generated 2013 sales of $4.8 billion. For more information, visit
our website at www.exelisinc.com or connect with us on Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite
communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium
enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and
from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of
partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich
portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly
global communications. The company has a major development
program underway for its next-generation network — Iridium NEXT.
Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va.,
U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select
Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information
about Iridium products, services and partner solutions,
visit www.iridium.com.
ExelisCarolyn Camp, 973-943-2890carolyn.camp@exelisinc.com