MIDAS nets Raytheon $12m

The

has awarded

a $12m contract for the supply of 15 Multiplexer Integration and Digital Communication Satellite Subsystem Automation Systems (MIDAS). The contract is part of a five-year, $48m indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract awarded in 2004.

MIDAS, currently deployed by the Army, is designed to improve voice and data communications by providing more efficient and cost-effective data communications switching and routing functions.

These functions allow geographically dispersed users, at all levels of security, immediate, automated access to voice, data, and video communications.

In addition to improving communications bandwidth, Raytheon's MIDAS design is said to maintain interoperability with existing communications infrastructure and enables the Army to use its manpower more efficiently because of the system's simplified design.

An added enhancement is its smaller size, which reduces the need for the rows of equipment and miles of cables previously required in worldwide Army communications facilities.