Team effort behind U.K. blue-force tracking

General Dynamics UK is leading an industry team that is developing a combat identification system able to reduce friendly fire casualties for Britain’s Ministry of Defence, reports Defense News.

Work on the initial development phase of a system capable of fusing blue-force tracking data from a range of network sources is due to get under way this month and will be completed in June 2010.

The Joint Data Network Combat Identification Server is a 3 million pound ($4.33 million) deal to develop a technology demonstrator. If money can be found for the tight British defense budget, it is hoped the system will be quickly translated into a front-line capability able to improve situational awareness and reduce friendly fire casualties.

General Dynamics’ partners on the effort are Rockwell Collins and QinetiQ.