Demand for Better Warfighting Technology Delivered Faster Fuels Growth of General Dynamics' EDGE® Innovation Network

Since opening in December 2006, the EDGE facility has a record for rapidly turning out new capabilities and equipment to meet lower size, weight and power requirements. Members like the EDGE’s ability to provide exposure to the status and particular technology gaps that exist with current military programs of record.

“As the U.S. Department of Defense transitions their current networks into a Joint Netcentric environment, the complexity and challenges associated with operating command, control, and communications systems  have never been greater,” said Col. Roger McDonald, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Capability Manager for Battle Command. “The EDGE model provides an excellent venue for the military to directly interact with industry in order to rapidly deliver an interoperable automation solution that meets the warfighter’s critical needs.”

The EDGE attracts groups from industry, academia, non-profit and government who meet to discuss program limitations and technology opportunities. Members also take advantage of software development labs to test the integration of their products with real-world programs and equipment. Members recently joining the EDGE include Microsoft® Corporation of Reston, Va.; Purdue University of West Lafayette, Ind.; Solomon Technology Solutions of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas.

Originally focused on technology worn and carried by warfighters, the EDGE is now expanding to other areas presenting unique challenges to the U.S. military including technology for battle command and tactical vehicles.

Building on the success of the EDGE in the United States, General Dynamics United Kingdom opened EDGE UK last month to provide a collaborative environment for Britain’s high-tech industries to address the needs of UK-based defense communications and information technology (IT) systems.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available online at www.gd.com.