The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed House-Senate legislation funding the Department of Defense (DoD) for Fiscal Year 2008. At the request of Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), the bill contains over $13 million for defense projects at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and St. Mary’s County.
Overall, funding in the DoD bill invests in equipment, training and cutting-edge weaponry for the U.S. military, including body armor and vehicles proven to save lives in Iraq. The bill also restores depleted equipment for the National Guard and Reserves, funds a larger pay raise (3.5 percent) for U.S. troops than the President requested, and strengthens health care for wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This funding bill underscores a commitment to the important capabilities and vital role that Pax plays, not only to our nation’s defense, but also in support of the economy and stability of the surrounding community,” said Congressman Hoyer. “This $13 million in federal funds will allow the continued development of cutting edge technology, as well as invest in innovative, Federally-developed technologies that will enhance the war fighters’ mission capability.”
The following funding for defense projects conducted by Pax River and Southern Maryland companies was included in the FY08 Department of Defense Appropriations Conference Report:
Network Expansion and Integration of Navy/ NASA RDT&E Ranges and Facilities – $4.1 million for a fiber optic data link system upgrade between the Atlantic Test Ranges of NAWCAD Patuxent River, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and the NAVSEA Surface Combat Systems Center. The network will strengthen the broadband signal serving these facilities and improve interoperable communications. This project was initiated by Congress in FY 2007.
Communications Upgrade for DDG Modernization – $3.12 million to modernize and upgrade the communications suite of the U.S. Navy’s AEGIS Class Ships. AEGIS Class ships are destroyers equipped with advanced weapon systems that use powerful computers and radars to track and destroy enemy targets. St. Inigoes is the lead integrator on all AEGIS Class communications systems built to date and will implement this approach on the last three DDG ships authorized by Congress.
All Weather Sense & Avoid for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – $2.4 million for the development of an All Weather Sense and Avoid technology for UAVs. This system will integrate mature, miniaturized, and intelligent technologies that will be light enough for use on all UAVs. This technology is intended to prevent the high risk of collision during normal operations and will allow UAVs to be used in both commercial and military applications.
AGE Exploration Model Extension to Multi-Signal Diagnostics – $2 million for installation of new data collection and sensor technologies on aircraft in order to enhance systems diagnostics. The AGE Exploration Model was created to support prediction of age impacts on aircraft systems. The model will be enhanced to include multiple signal analysis techniques to identify and track aircraft degradation. This will improve safety of aircraft operations and produce reduced maintenance man-hours, reduced spares requirements, and an increase in aircraft availability.
Unmanned Air Systems Tactical Control System &ld