Modern Technologies Corp., Annapolis, Md., has been awarded a $17.9 Air Force million contract to develop prototype networks for fighter planes, the company announced Aug. 5.

The contract calls for the delivery of 20 “roll-on, beyond-line-of-sight enhancement,” or ROBE, networks. When deployed, the system will be able to automatically establish broadband, secure communications links between fighter planes and ground-based command centers, for services such as over-the-horizon signaling, integrated communications, improved weapons targeting and satellite tactical data connections.

For this contract, MTC will partner with Arinc Engineering Services LLC, Lexington, Mass., which will be the project integrator. Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, will participate in development as well.

A prototype is planned to be ready by October 2002 and first production units to be delivered in June 2003.

MTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of military contractor MTC Technologies, Inc., Dayton, Ohio. MTC Technologies was founded in 1984 and employs approximately 1,000 people in 18 locations.