2007 business highlights
C3ISR
For nearly 45 years, L-3 has upgraded and modernized the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft fleet. In 2007, L-3 accelerated that cycle in response to customer requests and the changing nature of threats in the Global War on Terror. On this program, L-3 is meeting and exceeding customer expectations by augmenting the aircraft’s capabilities, while simultaneously increasing its availability to America’s warfighters.
L-3 successfully flight-tested the industry’s smallest and most advanced Mini-Common Data Link terminal, which can simultaneously transmit and receive high-bandwidth video. This one-pound innovation advances L-3’s long-standing reputation as a critical data link provider and leader in the development of the military’s network-centric communications architecture.
L-3’s encryption technology expertise led to new contracts with the military and a variety of agencies. Among them, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) selected L-3’s Talon™ in-line network encryptor to facilitate secure remote access of classified data. In addition, L-3 received National Security Agency certification for two critical new products, the unityCP™ and the RedEagle™ KG-245X 10 Gbps network encryptor.
Government Services
L-3 was named prime contractor on the team to provide real-time intelligence capability to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and its operational forces through the Integrated Broadcast Service program. L-3 will provide program management, system design, platform integration, and systems engineering for requirements development, test and evaluation services for the life of the program.
L-3 was selected as a qualified supplier by the U.S. government to compete for projects under the “Alliant” program, a 10-year, up-to-$50 billion initiative to upgrade, develop and support IT systems for civilian and defense agencies. Alliant will be available to all federal agencies for the next decade.
L-3 received a Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist that agency with preparedness efforts for all hazards, including acts of bioterrorism and pandemic outbreaks. L-3’s scope of work includes strategic and operational planning, training and exercise programs for CDC personnel, as well as institutional and organizational capacity and leadership building.
Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance
L-3 received a $600 million funding increase, extending its long-standing contract to provide services and time-sensitive logistical products to support the U.S. Special Operations Command.
L-3 successfully flight-tested NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). L-3’s enhancements to SOFIA, a modified Boeing 747SP, include the installation of a 45,000-pound infrared telescope that will be used to capture images and spectra that cannot be viewed using ground-based telescopes. SOFIA represents the most dramatic physical modifications ever made to a 747 aircraft.
Specialized Products
Microwave: L-3 will supply Ground Multi-Band Terminals to the U.S. Air Force, enabling wideband communications services over both military and commercial satellite systems, including the new Wideband Global SATCOM system. The compact satellite communication terminals provide dramatically enhanced communications capacity over existing terminals, reducing the number of operators needed.
Aviation Products: After receiving operational certification from the FAA, L-3 successfully integrated SafeRoute™ into UPS’ fleet of B757 aircraft. SafeRoute is saving the cargo operator approximately a million gallons of jet fuel annually by streamlining merging and spacing operations and surface area movement management.
L-3 signed an agreement with Airbus to certify the T3CAS integrated surveillance system on all Airbus A320 and A330/A340 aircraft families. T3CAS combines traffic alert collision avoidance system (TCAS) technology with terrain awareness warning system capability and a Mode S transponder. The platform for Airbus will offer automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities, such as air traffic situational awareness.
Sensors and Simulation: L-3 will provide the new helicopters in the U.K.’s Future Lynx program with exceptional long-range electro-optical laser designator MX®-15Di turrets to support crucial maritime, battlefield reconnaissance and combat missions for British army and naval forces.
Power and Control Systems: L-3 received follow-on awards for U.S. Nuclear Navy program continuation and additional work-scope. Additionally, L-3 was awarded the Integrated Electric Propulsion System and Integrated Bridge for three American Heavy Lift tankers that will be used for petroleum product delivery. L-3 also continued the engineering development of the Integrated Platform Management System for the U.K. Royal Navy’s Future Aircraft Carrier program and will provide comprehensive monitoring and control of the ship’s propulsion, electrical power generation and distribution, auxiliary and damage control systems.