Physical Optics Corp. (POC) was awarded a $13.5 million production contract to develop digital data set (DDS) systems for the US Navy’s T-45 aircraft. Under the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract, POC will produce 85 DDS systems and 20 spares, replacing three older units on the T-45 aircraft. The single advanced system will improve flight data recording, flight safety, aircraft maintenance and training program efficiency. Elements of DDS originated as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant sponsored by NAVAIR’s Air Combat Electronics Program Office. Work for this phase of the contract has begun and is to be completed by February 2014. The contract could be expanded as funding becomes available to accommodate additional T-45 aircraft upgrades. POC is an advanced technology systems integrator for the military, defense and security markets. For more information, visit: www.poc.com