GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2008--L-3 Communications Avionics Systems (L-3 Avionics) announced today that it has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization and Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the SmartDeck(R) Integrated Flight Controls and Display System. The STC has been awarded for the Cirrus Design SR22 G2 model, and L-3 Avionics will offer the STC through authorized dealers for retrofit.

"SmartDeck's revolutionary user interface is designed to boost pilot confidence and create a safe, simple and easy-to-control cockpit environment," said Adrienne Stevens, president of L-3 Avionics Systems. "We're thrilled to deliver this state-of-the-art, next-generation avionics system to the market."

L-3 conducted extensive testing to create SmartDeck's simple user interface and designed the menu structure to support pilot functions in "three clicks or less." The result is a departure from the current glass cockpit model; pertinent flight information is more rapidly accessible and less confusing than with other systems.

"It makes flying safer, easier and more fun," said Stevens. "When pilots fly the system for the first time, we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback about the crisp graphics and overall ease of use. The best way for someone to compare SmartDeck to other systems is to fly it. It speaks for itself."

SmartDeck is the only system in the light aircraft market to include a display dedicated to flight plan management and communication information as part of its standard configuration. The Center Console Unit (CCU) is a 4 x 5.25 inch display that frees up space on the multi-function display (MFD) and enables pilots to continue monitoring a flight while obtaining airport or flight plan information.

SmartDeck integrates a number of advanced situational awareness technologies that provide detailed data on navigation, traffic avoidance, terrain avoidance, communication, flight controls, engine parameters and enhanced vision. Many of these resources are made available through the integration of L-3's products.

SmartDeck is scalable and designed for installation on new general aviation aircraft, turboprops and light jets. L-3 is progressing with Cirrus Design to customize SmartDeck for the development phase of "the-jet," as announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual convention last September.

L-3 Avionics Systems has been providing industry-leading avionics technologies to aviation markets for more than 45 years. Known for bringing cost-effective and advanced technologies to the industry, L-3 developed the SmartDeck(R) Integrated Flight Controls and Display System for business and general aviation aircraft. Additionally, the company continues to provide a wide array of avionics safety and situational awareness technologies, such as the SkyWatch(R) collision avoidance system, Stormscope(R) lightning detection system and the IRIS(TM) Infrared Imaging System.

For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.L-3Avionics.com and the SmartDeck Web site at www.smartdeck.com.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 64,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2007 sales of $14 billion.

To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's Web site at www.L-3Com.com.

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CONTACT: L-3 Avionics Systems
Michelle Stevenson, 616-285-4239
Marketing Manager
michelle.stevenson@L-3com.com

SOURCE: L-3 Communications