L-3 Communications Selected by New Zealand Ministry

L-3 Communications announced that its Integrated Systems division (L-3 IS) has been selected as the preferred contractor by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to upgrade mission and communication-navigation systems for New Zealand's fleet of P-3 Orion (P-3) patrol aircraft. The upgrade to the six aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will include the replacement of the data management system, radar, electronic sensors, communications and navigation systems. The upgraded P-3 fleet will be equipped to meet both civilian agency and military requirements, as well as provide interoperability with New Zealand's security partners. Contract value will be determined through negotiations which are under way now and expected to conclude in October. "This is another move towards the realization of the government's goal of a modernized, well-equipped and sustainable Defence Force," said Mark Burton, New Zealand Minister of Defence. "The P-3 Orion is increasingly regarded as a multi-role aircraft. Its ability to support both maritime and land operations significantly enhances the NZDF's ability to achieve defence policy objectives." "Our selection for this important program affirms our capability to deliver affordable, superior maritime surveillance systems," said Bob Drewes, president of L-3 IS. "Our Integrated Data Handling System (IDHS), already in service with customers worldwide, is a low risk solution to meet New Zealand's requirements. IDHS also provides an excellent upgrade path as new technologies are developed in the future." L-3 IS will provide the mission system design, system integration, the intercommunications subsystem, the data management system and system installation and test at its facility in Greenville, Texas. New Zealand-based Safe Air Ltd. and Beca Applied Technologies will work closely with L-3 IS throughout the program to ensure their ability to provide long-term support to the updated fleet. L-3 Communications Integrated Systems is an SEI CMM Level 5 software developer and integrator of complex electronic systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Headquartered in Greenville, Texas, L-3/IS also operates from major sites in Austin and Waco, Texas; Madison, Miss.; Lexington, Ky.; Tulsa, Okla. and Avalon, Australia.