22:51 GMT, May 27, 2008 FAIRFAX, Va. | Argon ST, Inc. (NASDAQ:STST), a leading systems engineering, development and services company providing full-service C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems and services to a wide range of defense and intelligence customers, was awarded a contract option for Phase 1B of the Robust Surface Navigation (RSN) program from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Under the contract option Argon will analyze navigation performance in GPS-denied environments and will develop the concept design for a Phase 2 demonstration. The award is the result of a successful Phase 1A performance. Argon ST has chosen Honeywell Laboratories, Minneapolis, MN, and Ticom Geomatics Austin, TX, to provide supporting software and engineering services.

The RSN program focuses on creating a capability that allows military operations to have GPS-level navigation functions in GPS-denied areas using radio frequency signals of opportunity. Argon ST recently satisfied the Phase 1A goals of this program, during which it developed new and innovative algorithms for mitigating multipath signal errors and signal blockage that occurs in urban canyons and indoor environments.

“Operations in GPS denied environments are a concern for the armed forces,” said Kerry Rowe, Chief Operating Officer, Argon ST. “The RSN system must solve the fundamental problem of navigation and geolocation in these areas, especially in the difficult environments inside buildings and in urban canyons. Advanced technology, like that being developed by Argon for DARPA, helps our forces maintain that advantage under all circumstances. We are proud to be able to contribute to such an important program.”

Continuing, Mr. Rowe said, “Our goal is that this development process and demonstration results in Argon becoming recognized as a technical leader in the Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) market. In addition to DARPA, our unique approach to radio frequency multipath mitigation has broad applicability to a variety of GPS-denied as well as GPS-based PNT markets, and customers, including the U.S. Navy and its planned GPS Based PNT Service (GPNTS) upgrade for the surface fleet.”