Mikros Systems Corporation, announced that it was recently awarded two new U.S. Navy contracts. The contracts cover follow-on work based on Mikros' AIRchitect-EMC wireless network design tool, "interference-aware" network design software which allows the Navy to optimize shipboard network design while avoiding interference with critical radar and communications systems. AIRchitect-EMC was developed by Mikros and subcontractor Intelli-Check - Mobilisa, (Port Townsend, WA) for the Navy under a SBIR Phase II development contract to study Radar Wireless Spectral Efficiency (RWSE).
The first program is a subcontract to the Classified Wireless Networks for Embedded Forces program, which is a pilot program run by the Navy's PMW160 Program Office and funded by the Office of Naval Research Rapid Technology Transition program. AIRchitect-EMC will be used to help design a shipboard network for use by USMC Marine Expeditionary Forces, and networks will be installed on two LHD ships. This program is funded initially at $50,000 in FY08, with additional funding expected in FY09.
The second program is funded directly by the Navy's PMW750 CVN program office, and covers network design studies for the new aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. This program is funded initially at $100,000 in FY08 and if successful, may result in additional funding in FY09.
Both contracts are pilot programs involving the Navy's use of AIRchitect-EMC to design shipboard wireless networks for LHD amphibious ships and CVN aircraft carriers.