Pentagon Approves Limited Fielding of Broadband Network Gear

The Army has won Pentagon approval for limited production and fielding of a long-range broadband tactical communications system, which will help equip brigades from the 10th Mountain Division slated for deployment to Afghanistan in 2013. T

he Army said the Defense Acquisition Board on Sept. 25 cleared production of the Warrior Information Network-Tactical, Increment 2, built by General Dynamics C4 Systems, which provides broadband communications capabilities via satellite or terrestrial signals for infantry companies, brigades and divisions. Col. Ed Swanson, project manager for WIN-T, said the system “provides an unprecedented on-the-move capability that the Army does not have today and builds upon capabilities that are already fielded and operationally proven.” The production decision covers eight sets of WIN-T gear, with the initial two sets planned for fielding to the 10th Mountain Division this month. The equipment includes small Ka-band satellite dishes, intended for installation on mine resistant-ambush protected vehicles.