L-3 IS Awarded Missile Defense Agency
AirBorne Sensor Mission Operations Contract Valued at $411 Million

L-3 IS has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with a basic ceiling of $411 million to provide the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with airborne mission support for ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) test requirements. The value of the initial delivery order is approximately $16 million.

The primary mission of the AirBorne Sensor (ABS) Mission Operations program is to provide airborne electro-optic and infrared sensor capabilities to support MDA and other test activities.

The ABS program directs the design, development, integration, test, operation, maintenance, improvements, modernization, mission support and data reduction/analysis activities for three aircraft: two High Altitude Observatory (HALO-I/II), modified Gulfstream IIB aircraft, and the Widebody Airborne Sensor Program (WASP)-modified McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 aircraft. The program scope also includes any future aircraft and mission equipment required to support MDA test and assessment activities.

Each of the three MDA aircraft can be configured with a variety of sensors to support BMDS test data collection efforts. The ABS program also provides quick-turn mission data analysis and reporting to ensure that critical MDA test data gets to key organizations in a timely manner.

Within L-3 IS, L-3 Aeromet based in Tulsa, Okla. will manage the program. L-3 Aeromet currently operates the two Gulfstream IIB aircraft under a predecessor contract called Airborne Test and Measurement Support (ATMS) and has supported more than 180 missions.

“ We are delighted to continue providing the Missile Defense Agency with the airborne electro-optical and infrared expertise for which the L-3 Aeromet organization is renown,” said Bob Drewes, president of L-3/IS. “This BMDS work is vital to national defense and we will strive to provide MDA with the best possible services.”