L-3 will provide a Multi-Function Signal Intelligence Payload (MFSP), an advanced reconnaissance system for use on tactical and medium endurance Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs). The value of this initial contract is in excess of $500,000 with additional options valued at $3.1 million.

"L-3's equipment will greatly enhance the Army's reconnaissance capabilities," said Greg Roberts, president of L-3 Communication Systems - East. "Even under the most adverse conditions, it will enable our service personnel to quickly locate and identify covert enemy transmissions by fusing source data from multiple sensors. Currently, this identification process requires tedious photographic searches and can last hours, sometimes even days."

The MFSP system will combine communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) to facilitate real-time data collection in a variety of tactical situations. A prototype of this technology was successfully tested in September 1997 by L-3 Communications and the Department of Defense.

L-3 Communication Systems-East, based in Camden, NJ, designs, develops, produces and integrates communications systems and support equipment for commercial, space, ground, air and naval applications.