Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
Example of an AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radio. (Photo: General Dynamics Mission Systems)
General Dynamics Mission Systems has received a $49.89 million modification to an existing IDIQ contract to manufacture, test and deliver AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radio (DMR) systems for the USN.
General Dynamics will also provide High Frequency Distribution Amplifier Group components and engineering services.
DMR is a modular, software reprogrammable radio system with embedded cryptography that provides all RF-to-baseband and baseband-to-RF conversion functions required for USN LoS, BLoS and SATCOM systems.
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command awarded the modification to ‘allow for the execution of emergent requirements that were not anticipated at the onset of the contract’, the DoD noted on 28 March.
It added: ‘Specifically, this action will allow the government to continue procuring hardware and services that fill an unanticipated need, within the scope of the contract but exceeding the originally estimated quantities.’
The modification raises the ceiling of the DMR IDIQ contract to $235.98 million.
Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Arizona, for completion in December 2022.
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.