Signal Technology awarded USAF contract to develop switch matrices

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Dec 9, 2002

Signal Technology Corporation has announced the receipt of a contract from Sierra Nevada Corporation, Sparks, Nevada, to produce switch matrices for the U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft. The award is valued in excess of $2 million.

Signal Technology's switch matrix subsystems are key to performing the mission-critical and highly complex task of managing the distribution of multiple voice and data transmissions on a real-time basis. The Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft that provides the Air Force with on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities at both the theater and national levels.

"Our strategy is to emphasize higher value-added products as we exploit the natural synergies between our core electronic component business and our Systems Group's expertise in complex assemblies," said Signal Technology Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George Lombard. "The Company's success in winning this switch matrix award is a result of this strategy, and we look forward to meeting customer requirements for even more complex switch matrix designs in the future."

President and Chief Operating Officer, John Cotumaccio, said, "This contract award represents another step forward in our drive to create a strong presence for Signal Technology on the Defense Department's newest and most critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Together with our recent contract wins in the emerging Homeland Security and Defense market, our selection to provide switch matrices for the Rivet Joint aircraft reinforces our position at a higher point in the ISR value chain, and demonstrates our customers' confidence in Signal Technology's engineering and manufacturing capabilities."

Signal Technology is a developer of state-of-the-art electronic components, subsystems and system solutions for defense and space applications. The Company manufactures a wide range of RF, microwave and millimeter wave products, power conversion systems and power supplies. These devices are used in military communications networks, and systems related to electronic countermeasures, precision guidance, radar, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The Company sells its products to defense prime contractors worldwide.