CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.–GE Fanuc Embedded Systems today announced that it has been selected by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) to supply single board computers for the DDG 1000 destroyer. The DDG 1000 is the lead ship in the Zumwalt class of next generation, multimission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance with capabilities designed to defeat current and projected threats as well as improve battle force defense. GE Fanuc Embedded Systems will supply PPC7A and PPC7D single board computers, and the PMCD3 multifunction PMC with up to three active Gigabit Ethernet ports.
“This is further testimony to the value that major prime contractors place on our experience and expertise, especially in the field of embedded computing designed specifically for harsh environments,” said Peter Cavill, General Manager, Military and Aerospace Products at GE Fanuc Embedded Systems. “The Zumwalt class of destroyer is expected to have a significant influence on US naval capability during the coming century, and we’re delighted that Raytheon has chosen us to be part of such an exciting program.”
The ship’s network is called the Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure (TSCEI), and implements the US Navy’s open architecture strategy. On January 9th, 2007, Raytheon announced the completion of a detailed design review of the TSCEI, which is a full COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) solution. The review concluded that early component level testing results validate that the solution meets the shipboard environmental requirements.
The Zumwalt class ships rely on automation and networking to reduce the manpower that operates and supports the ship. The reduction is planned at 50% of the crew that is currently manning US naval destroyers. Each ship has two 10G Ethernet backbones. with Ethernet switches to bridge the backbone to 1G Ethernet interfaces. The TSCEI will use the PPC7A, PPC7D and PMCD3 boardsto meet the network connectivity requirements for hardware, firmware and software of the Distributed Adaptation Processor (DAP) which bridges the VME64x-based embedded computing systems used for vertical launch of missiles, gun systems, radar, sonar, decoys, and to supply power to the TSCEI.
Two ships are currently being built by separate contractors, with the potential for a joint effort to build a third. Eight ships are currently scheduled to be built.
About GE Fanuc Embedded Systems
GE Fanuc Embedded Systems is a leading global provider of embedded computing solutions for a wide range of industries and applications. Featuring a comprehensive offering that includes Intel® and PowerPC®-based Single Board Computers, sensor processing, networking products, avionics interfaces, rugged flat panel monitors and complete computer systems, GE Fanuc Embedded Systems can support the full range of embedded computing needs. GE Fanuc Embedded Systems is part of GE Fanuc, a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan. For more information, visit www.gefanucembedded.com.