Rockwell Collins inks GPS radio deal

Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids has received the largest annual order for its secure, jam-resistant MicroGRAM global positioning system (GPS) receivers.

The Cedar Rapids avionics, communications and information management company has signed a contract to provide 5,000 units to Harris RF Communications of Rochester, N.Y., for its tactical radios over the next three years. Deliveries began in January.

Mike Jones, vice president and general manager of communication and navigation products for Rockwell Collins, said in a news release that the MicroGRAM units will give Harris the ability to meet military customer demands for embedded, secure GPS radios.

'MicroGRAM protects war fighters from the growing jamming and spoofing threats on the battlefield,” Jones said.

Harris is one of the first major original equipment manufacturers to commit to using MicroGRAM to meet the U.S. Department of Defense's requirement to use selective availability and anti-spoofing module technology in its products.

'Integrating the MicroGRAM receiver into a number of our new tactical radios allows us to reduce the size and weight while extending the battery life of our products,” George Helm, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications, said in a news release.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; george.ford@thegazette.com