Avionics - April 2010

camouflage and light foliage. The payload module can be integrated into ScanEagle in the field without changing current ground control station hardware or support equipment. It also will be available as a payload option for Integrator.

MILITARY

aircraft, capable of performing antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue and long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

The mission computer system for the P-8I is a flexible and ruggedized processing platform that can be configured to meet input and output, video, voice, and graphics processing needs. BAE will begin deliveries to Boeing in 2011.

MIDS JTRS Certification

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System received National Security Agency certification to provide secure distribution of situational awareness and command and control data among aircraft, the JTRS program office announced.

NSA certification is critical for MIDS JTRS operation on the F/A- 18 E/F.

HEICO Acquisition

HEICO Corp., of Miami completed its acquisition of dB Control, Fremont, Calif., a manufacturer traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA), microwave power modules (MPM) and other high-power devices used in defense and commercial applications, the companies announced Feb. 17. Financial details were not disclosed.

dB Control’s TWTAs and MPMs are used predominantly in radar, electronic warfare, on-board jamming and countermeasure systems in aircraft, ships and detection platforms deployed by U.S. and allied forces. Its products are typically associated with radar-enabled high-power threat detection, avoidance and targeting platforms such as the Predator, Reaper, Fire Scout, Sky Warrior and Global Hawk UAVs. Products are also used on the MH-60 helicopter, B-52, AC-130, MC-130, MC- 12 Project Liberty and other aircraft.

“dB Control is a unique company which offers HEICO more participation in a growing part of both U.S. and non-U.S. defense budgets,” said Laurans A. Mendelson, HEICO chairman and CEO.

“In the U.S. Department of Defense Quadrennial Defense Review, the Department of Defense made clear its intention to continue to rely more on high-power radar and electronic warfare systems by dramatically increasing the size of its UAV fleet and by adding to other threat detection capabilities. We believe dB Control’s strong position in these growing markets, combined with its high technology capabilities, should provide for additional growth.”

Mission Computer

BAE Systems is developing the mission computer system for the Indian navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, a variant of the P-8A Poseidon planned for the U.S. Navy, the company announced March 3.