LANSDOWNE, Va. – Fortress Technologies, the leader in secure tactical wireless communications, today announced that it has been selected as a key technology provider of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) certified wireless solutions to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Mobile Wireless Expeditionary Network (MWEN). Developed by technology integrator Global Services Corporation of Fayetteville, NC for the USMC's Transportation and Distribution Information Systems (TDIS) Group, MWEN provides rapidly deployable, secure wireless networking and data communications capabilities, enabling more efficient and effective tracking of equipment deployed in support of military operations around the globe.
"TDIS is tasked with designing and developing flexible technology solutions that help improve mission effectiveness and logistics visibility across the USMC," said Jim Martin, Director of Technical Services, Global Services Corporation and lead on the MWEN project. "Our goal for MWEN is to replace the older, more expensive tracking solution previously in use on Maritime Preposition Force vessels -- the Shipboard Movement Tracker (SMT) -- which costs about $500,000 per ship. MWEN will significantly decrease this expenditure, while increasing deployment flexibility by extending capability ashore in other tactical environments."
MWEN is a rapidly deployable, self-contained kit that provides organic power, wireless communications, handheld devices, and FIPS-validated security. These kits can be deployed anywhere on a ship or in a forward operational area and provide on demand wireless communications, enabling the USMC to use handheld devices to track, record, and share equipment movement information in a completely secure environment. As part of the program, the USMC purchased 32 Fortress ES520 Secure Wireless Bridges, an "all-in-one" network access device that combines the features of a wireless access point, bridge, Ethernet switch, and high assurance FIPS 140-2 validated security in a small, rugged, weatherized form factor.
"TDIS deployed the first operational MWEN kits to Thailand, and will extend the program to other operations worldwide," said Jeff Bradbury, Vice President, Marketing, Fortress. "The USMC has shown confidence in the strong security and wireless capabilities of the Fortress solution. We look forward to the continued rollout and success of the MWEN kits."
About General Dynamics C4 Systems Fortress Technologies Fortress Technologies, part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, delivers a high performance portfolio of COTS wireless and secure communications capabilities, based on industry-proven technology. Fortress products and technologies are enhanced with the highest levels of industry-standard encryption that conform to commercial and government security standards and meet stringent environmental standards to support tactical wireless communications in austere environments for global defense, critical infrastructure and enterprise users. Leveraging a self-forming, self-healing, path-optimizing mesh architecture, the Fortress advanced wireless network solution is optimized for rugged-outdoor, mobile, military, first responder and critical infrastructure environments, where reliable communications are a must. Fortress secure wireless networking products and embedded solutions are designed for ease of use, simple integration and technical insertion, enabling partners and customers to meet their most challenging wireless communications needs. For more information, visit www.gdfortress.com