SAN
DIEGO, Calif. Sept. 27, 2007 – Cubic Defense Applications,
the defense segment of Cubic Corporation (Amex: CUB), has received
a $50.3 million development contract from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Co. to design and integrate an embedded version of its latest-generation
air combat training system for the F-35 Lightning II, also known
as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
This new training system is based on Cubic’s successful
pod-based P5 Combat Training System/Tactical Combat Training
System technology, now operational in several locations.
Cubic is scheduled to deliver five prototypes consisting of
airborne instrumentation and ground station planning and debrief
software systems as part of F-35 System Development and Demonstration.
The airborne training instrumentation will be installed in all
F-35 stealth fighters, which are destined to replace multiple
aircraft types in the United States and United Kingdom, as well
as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway
and Turkey.
“The F-35 Internal Subsystem will be integrated in the
aircraft as an embedded feature, like an avionics system, and
is being designed for easy removal if the need arises,”
said Philip J. Fisch, senior director of Business Development
for Air Ranges for Cubic Defense Applications. “The subsystem
is interoperable with P5 training systems now being produced,
so fighter pilots using pod-based or embedded P5 systems will
be able to train with F-35 pilots.”
Walter J. Zable, chairman and CEO of Cubic Corporation, said
Cubic’s air combat training system for the F-35 will represent
a breakthrough in air combat training technology.
“It will be the first air combat training system installed
in a fifth-generation aircraft that has the airborne components
for tracking and recording weapons engagements placed in the
aircraft itself,” Zable said. “Cubic’s half-century
tradition of innovation continues into the 21st century with
this exciting new long-term program.”
Cubic and its partners, DRS Technologies Inc. of Fort Walton
Beach, Fla., and FAAC of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will use a P5
Internal Subsystem designed for Hornet and Harrier aircraft
as the baseline for the F-35 Internal Subsystem. FAAC will assist
Cubic in developing the weapons simulations for the F-35 and
its new-generation weapons systems.
Cubic’s user-friendly Individual Combat Aircrew Display
System (ICADS™) software – a key P5 component –
will also be part of the F-35 combat training system. The ICADS
software will be hosted on Lockheed Martin’s OMS –
Offboard Mission Subsystem – which handles a variety of
functions.
The development contract also contains a requirement for a fully
encrypted and exportable data link, a first-ever component for
a Cubic air combat training system.
Cubic Defense Applications (CDA) is one of Cubic Corporation’s
two major segments. CDA is a world leader in realistic combat
training systems, mission support services and defense electronics.
The corporation's other major segment, Cubic Transportation
Systems, designs and manufactures automatic fare collection
systems for public mass transit authorities. For more information
about Cubic, see the company's website at www.cubic.com.
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