GE Intelligent Platforms announced that it had secured orders from Harris Corporation Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD) of Melbourne, Florida for a quantity of GE’s PPC7EP single board computers. Immediate value of the order is in excess of $3.5 million, with a total value of approximately $7 million expected. This is the latest in a series of orders received from Harris for the MLRS program over 12-plus years.
Harris is subcontracted by Lockheed Martin to design and build the electronics for the US Army’s MLRS M-270 HIMARS platform. The PPC7EP executive processor is a custom variant of GE’s PPC7D, a 6U VME single board computer featuring the 7448 PowerPC processor. It includes two PMC sites together with an AFIX (Additional Flexible Interface Extension) site for maximum configurational flexibility. Three PPC7EPs – one featuring a PMCGA4C graphics accelerator card – are deployed in each vehicle. The PPC7EPs provide the key computing power for the principle HIMARS subsystems.
“MLRS/HIMARS is an outstanding example of a long term program that relies on the continuing availability of critical components, the extended support – such as obsolescence management – necessary to ensure success and the opportunity for ongoing technology insertion,” said Al DiLibero, President, Military & Aerospace Embedded Computing, GE Intelligent Platforms. “These are areas in which GE has continued – and will continue – to demonstrate industry leadership. GE is committed to maximizing the long term value of our customers’ investments.”
The engagement dates back to 1999, when Harris Corporation made its original selection of processors and mezzanine cards as part of a program to upgrade more than 900 units in service with the US Army. The U.S. Army’s battle-proven HIMARS is the newest member of the MLRS family. Developed originally by Lockheed Martin in 1996, HIMARS entered service in June 2005. The purpose of HIMARS is to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.
For more information: http://defense.ge-ip.com/products/family/military-and-aerospace
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense