DATC Member Leonardo DRS Wins Award to Improve the Power Capabilities of the THAAD Weapon System

WARRENDALE, Pa., Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Defense Automotive Technologies Consortium (DATC) member DRS Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, Inc. has been selected to work on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System. The project is focused on reducing the systems logistics requirements (fuel, maintenance, and repair); increasing power capability, availability, and reliability; improving visibility into power production performance; exporting power to other tactical components of the THAAD weapon system; and reducing the weapon system footprint for transportation requirements. The prototype project is to upgrade two (2) Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and one (1) Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) with Onboard Vehicle Power (OBVP) Transmission Integrated Generator (TIG). This will allow the vehicles to have electrical power directly from the vehicles powertrain.

This award adds to the growing list of government projects awarded through DATC, a unique program enabling connection of advanced automotive suppliers to the U.S. Army's efforts to modernize its ground forces. DATC's technology capabilities helped the government link to DRS Systems, Inc., the member that will be working on this two-year project.

The 120kW, 4000 series OBVP TIG for the HEMTT is to improve the PM THAAD HEMTT Launcher mean time between mission failure (reducing single point failures) and reduce the HEMTT Launcher logistics requirements (fuel, maintenance, and repair). The 120kW, 3000 series OBVP TIG for the FMTV will support the THAAD Fire Control and Communications (TFCC) with the expectation of fuel savings and increased electrical power reliability and availability. Together, these upgrades will address significant electrical power problems for the THAAD system.

DRS Systems is a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, a prime contractor, leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and defense contractors worldwide. For implementation of this project, DRS Systems will collaborate with DATC members DRS Network and Imaging Systems LLC, DRS Power Technology Inc., and Allison Transmission Inc.

"We are happy to have the opportunity to connect our members with unique projects that offer solutions to the military's pressing needs," said Dave Porreca, Executive Director of DATC. "We are eager to see the electrical power enhancements that will be developed from this initiative."

DATC currently has more than 190 members, with nearly 70 percent of these classified as non-traditional defense contractors. DATC members gain access to government projects and visibility of their capabilities to the Government and among other members. A majority of DATC members have limited or no prior government procurement experience. They greatly benefit from a facilitator such as DATC, which streamlines the process and requirements for engaging the government.

About DATC
The Defense Automotive Technologies Consortium (DATC) is a unique public-private partnership created in 2016 to connect advanced automotive technology suppliers to government technology modernization efforts. DATC can address work from any government agency, including state governments, related to the core technology areas defined in its scope. DATC was created through SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) to support the Defense Arsenal Automotive (DA2) OTA sponsored by U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC); 'automotive' is broadly understood as self-propelled vehicles for land, air, sea or space. DATC's eight core technology areas are: Automotive Cyber Security; Vehicle Safety; Vehicle Light Weighting; Autonomous Vehicles and Intelligent Systems; Connected Vehicles; Advanced Energy Storage; Propulsion; Active Suspension.

More information about DATC, including upcoming events and membership information, can be found at: http://datc.saeitc.org.

About SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC)
SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) is a 501(c)(6) affiliate of SAE International, and its membership is comprised of public and private organizations collaborating in a neutral forum to drive innovative solutions to key industry challenges. More information is available at http://sae-itc.org.

Media Contacts
Shawn Andreassi
SAE International
724.772.8522
shawn.andreassi@sae.org

David Porreca
DATC
248.273.4029
david.porreca@saeitc.org

SOURCE Defense Automotive Technologies Consortium