Elbit Systems Australia has won its latest contract on the far continent. The Australian website Defense Connect reports that Elbit Systems Australia has joined the Australian company Intellidesign in a contract for the local production of the next-generation Enhanced Tactical Computer Mark 7 (ETC MK7) for the Australian Defense Force. The computer will be assembled at Elbit Australia's plant in the city of Brisbane in southeast Queensland, which has been upgraded for this project and has received additional investments.
Paul McLachlan, the managing director of Elbit Systems of Australia, said, “We are very pleased to announce this collaboration with Intellidesign, a fantastic Australian company. The team at Intellidesign are extremely impressive, and we are looking forward to benefiting from their extensive experience in manufacturing, design, quality and innovation.”
The ETC MK7 is the seventh generation of Elbit Systems’ Enhanced Tactical Computer and will replace the Enhanced Tactical Computer Mark 4 (ETC MK4), in service with the Australian Army since 2010. The next-generation ETC MK7 builds on Elbit’s extensive experience in ruggedized hardware design and contains enhancements to meet the needs and unique requirements of the Australian Defense Force. The ETC MK7 delivers more computing power, high-resolution capacitive touchscreen and buttons for compatibility with the Australian Generic Vehicle Architecture Standard interface. The ETC MK7 is future-proof and is capable of supporting Elbit’s next generation of digital command and control systems, according to the company.
McLachlan added, “We see this as the first step in a long-term strategic partnership with Intellidesign and local industry partners. We believe we have many other next-generation systems that can be provided to the Australian Defense Force and manufactured locally. We want to continue our demonstrated commitment to technology transfer and deliver as a true sovereign capability in both hardware and software.”
The ETC MK7 will be rolled out to hundreds of platforms in the ADF fleet, including Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, G-Wagons, M113 Armored Personnel Carriers and the Landing Helicopter Dock Landing Craft. Production of the ETC MK7 is scheduled to commence in late 2020 and continue until 2022.Read more from Cybertech News: https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/categories/cybertech