DRS Gets Contract for S$7m Shipboard Communication Systems

DRS Technologies has received a $7m contract from the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. to provide fiber-optic data multiplex system (FODMS) – navigation sensor distributors for the second KDX-III destroyer of the Republic of Korea’s Navy (ROKN). The FODMS is a general-purpose, dual-network system that provides data and integrated communications between propulsion and power control systems, steering, navigation sensors, weapons systems — as well as Aegis combat systems. It is a complete information transfer system designed to meet evolving ship communications requirements and to handle data that are critical to ship operations.

The FODMS was selected by the ROKN to distribute navigation sensor data to Aegis and non-Aegis weapons systems, and communication systems, without the need to rewrite software or redesign hardware. The system is based on the Military Survivable Adaptable Fiber Optic Embedded Network (SAFENET) standard, focused on enhancing survivability.

Under a previously awarded contract from the Special & Naval Shipbuilding Division of Hyundai Heavy Industries, DRS outfitted the first destroyer of this new fleet with the same equipment. The company's DRS EW & Network Systems unit based in Buffalo, N.Y. will begin work on this contract and it will be ongoing through May 2010. DRS will install and test the FODMS to ensure interoperability between legacy systems and the latest commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based systems. The company also will provide operation maintenance training for DSME employees and ROKN personnel.