Written by / Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
L-3 Communication Systems-East has announced that two of its RedEagle network encryption products have received National Security Agency certification to the HAIPE Interoperability Specification (IS) v3.0.2. These new network encryptors, which are the first to receive this certification, are now available to customers through two previously awarded Department of Defense indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts. Both the RedEagle KG-240A, a ruggedized 100 Mbps In-line Network Encryptor (INE) and the RedEagle KG-245A, a tactical 1 Gbps INE, were certified. HAIPE IS v3.0.2 is a critical technology used to secure strategic and warfighter networks, support crypto modernization and Internet Protocol transitioning. This secure protocol provides increased interoperability for secure data sharing across DoD and select U.S. government agency networks. In addition to the HAIPE certification, both of these solutions include the foreign interoperability (FI) extensions to the HAIPE specification. With these additional FI features, L-3 provides customers secure interoperable networking capabilities to support multinational coalition partner and homeland security operations. Both RedEagle encryptors include backward interoperability to all fielded HAIPE IS v1.3.5 solutions.
Bob Coia:
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Certification Clears Sales of Broadband Manpack Terminal
ViaSat has received certification from the National Security Agency for the ruggedized AN/PSC-14(C) Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) integrated manpack terminal. This is the first small terminal of its kind to combine an Inmarsat BGAN satcom terminal in a rugged, tactical package with embedded Type 1 security for classified communications. The AN/PSC-14(C) enables access speeds of up to 422 kbps almost anywhere in the world. The embedded security and rugged package provide rapid setup and simplified operation under the most adverse conditions. With this new certification, ViaSat can begin fulfilling orders for AN/PSC-14(C) terminals from a wide user community, including defense and homeland security customers, and authorized international governments. The AN/PSC-14(C) full-mesh network encryption also supports multinational operations through its ability to switch between U.S. and multinational (Type 1 Suite A/B) modes through simplified key management features. In addition, the AN/PSC-14(C) is based on ViaSat’s programmable security device, which can reduce support costs and enables upgrade to foreign interoperability features in the field.
Justin Luczyk:
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Army Seeks Mortar Fire Control Systems Integration
Elbit Systems of America has received a contract from the Army for the mortar fire control systems integration program. The contract provides for orders up to $197.5 million amount over a five-year period. The initial order under the contract is valued at approximately $22 million and is expected shortly. Under the contract, Elbit will perform systems integration, development, production, fielding and support of the Army’s mortar ballistic computer and various types of mortar fire control systems.
Dalia Rosen:
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Air Force Shifts Policy on Protected Distribution Systems
The Air Force has issued a new update to the policy for protected distribution systems (PDS)—including a major change in the way alarmed PDS can be installed—that significantly reduces deployment cost and complexity. As an alternative to traditional hardened carrier systems (such as EMT or commercial secure raceway), generic interlocking armored cable alarmed by the Interceptor Optical Network Security System from Network Integrity Systems can now be used for securing SIPRNet and JWICS networks. According to an emission security policy issued by the Air Force CTTA, flexible armored cable used in conjunction with Interceptor is an approved PDS solution for CONUS Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve bases, as well as off-base government locations operating at Secret and below and Top Secret/SPECAT classification levels. The solution is also approved for OCONUS air bases and facilities operating at Secret and below classification levels. The flexible interlocking armor in the cable provides the robust physical protection formerly provided by the hardened PDS, and the continuous monitoring performed by Interceptor replaces the daily visual inspections. This permits the cables to be deployed in traditional cable raceways installed above ceilings or below raised floors, eliminating the need to build a complex, hardened PDS system from EMT or commercial products and the lengthy, disruptive construction projects associated with it. Furthermore, when the network configuration changes, or personnel move between offices or buildings, Interceptor can quickly and easily be redeployed.
Multithreat Security Platform Integrates New Functionalities
Fortinet, a provider of network security and unified threat management solutions, has announced the release of a carrier-grade version of its FortiGate multithreat security platform. The new FortiCarrier family integrates many new functionalities to help carriers, service providers, managed security service providers and enterprises better protect their own networks as well as the networks of their customers through cloud-based security delivered as a service. Fortinet’s FortiCarrier platform includes all the capabilities of the FortiGate line plus a specialized “superset” of carrier-class features: securing Voice-over-IP infrastructures and mobile operator content, and enabling automated provisioning and management of security policies on a per-user basis. In addition, FortiCarrier provides the intelligent infrastructure to help service providers more easily deliver security as a service to their customers through, among other things, the industry’s only fully virtualized offering to support nine consolidated security features. The new FortiCarrier features are driven by three key trends: the convergence of content types including data, voice, video and mobile content onto a single network; the proliferation of mobile threats; and the growing popularity of the security-as-a-service business model. The security implications of these trends are addressed through new enhancements to the FortiOS Carrier 4.0 operating system and supported by the FortiCarrier-3810A and -5001A-DW hardware platforms.
Platform Selected for Fort Bragg Infrastructure Modernization
Fujitsu Network Communications, a supplier of optical and wireless networking solutions, has announced a contract with Black Box Network Services to upgrade an integral part of the communications network architecture at Fort Bragg, N.C. The project is in support of the Program Executive Office, Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program (I3MP) to improve communications at military bases and installations worldwide, and was awarded under the Army’s Infrastructure Modernization (IMOD) contract. The Fujitsu Flashwave 7500 Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) will be used to transport information throughout the base’s data network backbone. The Flashwave VE 7500 ROADM platform is an ideal solution for demanding network applications, incorporating advanced, field-proven optical technologies and a flexible, modular architecture that supports reliable, cost-effective service. The platform enables a broad spectrum of new, high-bandwidth applications such as broadband Internet transport, high-density video distribution, and advanced IP and Ethernet services.
Jeana Cunnigham:
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Transponders Separate Friends From Foes
BAE Systems received a $13 million contract modification from the Naval Air Systems Command to provide 500 identification friend or foe (IFF) digital transponders and spares to the Navy and Army. The AN/APX-118 common transponder identifies aircraft and ships as friendly forces by responding to interrogations from ground-based or airborne IFF systems. The transponders, installed on aircraft and naval vessels, positively establish the identity of friendly forces. Those that do not identify themselves as friendly are considered threats. The Navy and Army use the common transponder on submarines, surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The AN/APX-118 replaces outdated IFF transponders with digital technology, improving the reliability and maintainability of aging systems. BAE Systems has delivered more than 4,000 AN/APX-118 common transponders to the Navy and Army under the NAVAIR contract since 1999.
Maria Felix:
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Tactical SIGINT System Included in Mine Protected Vehicles
A team led by General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a new, $3 million delivery order from the Army to integrate the Prophet Enhanced tactical signals intelligence system into medium mine protected vehicles (MMPV). The order is in support of a Department of Defense requirement that is providing additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the U.S. military. MMPVs equipped with the Prophet Enhanced system will be delivered to the Army in October 2009. This order was executed under a six-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that the Army awarded to the General Dynamics-led team in February. It has an estimated total potential value of $866 million if all options are exercised. In addition to the $3 million order, an initial delivery order valued at $71 million was awarded in February. Integrated into up-armored MMPVs and HMMWVs, the system enables tactical commanders to securely and accurately detect, identify, locate and deter a wide range of signal emissions on the battlefield. To reduce the overall cost of future system upgrades and enhancements, the Prophet Enhanced design incorporates pre-planned upgrades and technology insertions. The contract also calls for standardized training. General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor for the Prophet Enhanced program. Team members include L-3 Communications and Northrop Grumman Information Technology. ♦