TRW Unit Wins ‘Friendly Fire’ Contract

The Defense Department said it’s awarding a $37.9-million contract over four years to TRW Inc.’s Carson-based Tactical Systems Division for an electronic system to protect troops against “friendly fire.” Allied vehicles fitted with the Battlefield Combat Identification System kits send short, encrypted signals to each other to distinguish themselves from enemy targets. Development of the system came in response to recent high-profile friendly fire tragedies. The kits will mostly be built at the Redondo Beach plant. TRW shares fell $1.63 to $48.38 on the New York Stock Exchange.