Next-gen airborne EW aircraft from L3 ordered by Australia's royal air force
NewsApril 11, 2019
NEW YORK. L3 Technologies has entered into an agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to deliver four aircraft with next-generation airborne electronic warfare (EW) capability. The prime contract has an estimated value of more than $1 billion.
The contract for the planes -- known as the MC-55A Peregrine -- calls for four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft with an integrated mission system that provides the latest EW capabilities.
The MC-55A Peregrine will be integrated into the British Commonwealth’s joint warfighting networks, providing a critical link between platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, Navy surface combatants and amphibious assault ships, and ground assets.
“This capability will greatly strengthen the RAAF’s goal to becoming a fully networked fifth-generation force and considerably enhance their global effect on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations,” said Jeff Miller, corporate senior vice president and president of L3’s ISR Systems business segment. “It will serve as a critical link between air, land, and sea assets to provide airborne electronic warfare support to Commonwealth and allied warfighters in complex operating environments.”
Under the terms of the contract -- with work to be performed at L3’s Greenville, Texas facility and at Gulfstream in Savannah, Georgia -- the company will provide airframe modifications to accommodate mission systems and secure communications equipment, install a self-protection suite, put in place ground-based data processing systems, and provide crew-training services.
