Global Military Aircraft Systems, HUNTSVILLE: Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3/IS), a subsidiary of L-3 Communications and Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica company) will produce and missionize the C-27J military aircraft for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program. The Army's final request for proposals for this program is on Oct 15th.
The C-27J recently completed two successful demonstration tours throughout the United States and had an outstanding exhibition during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and at the Air Tattoo Show in Fairford, England earlier this year.
The FCA program is a key component in the Army's transformation of its fixed wing fleet, which calls for the procurement of a new fleet of transport, fixed wing aircraft. To support the future force, the FCA must be a multifunctional aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, medevac, troop movement, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, and missions in support of U.S. Homeland Security.
The C-27J aircraft is the result of a transatlantic cooperation between major Italian and U.S. defense companies. It has been designed, developed and produced using the latest U.S. technologies and military standards to meet the requirements of the U.S. warfighter.
The aircraft, built by Alenia Aeronautica, can fly into remote areas with unimproved airstrips, rapidly unload cargo or vehicles and, with exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, quickly leave the area, keeping crews safe. This reduced turn-around time significantly decreases risk to the warfighter. Also, the high cruise speed, payload and exceptional range of the aircraft allow it to move more tonnage farther and faster, allowing commanders to perform missions with fewer aircraft.
L-3 brings to the team core competencies in aircraft modernization, training, and C4ISR capabilities. They have technicians on the ground in over 300 military installations worldwide providing day-to-day logistical support to Army and National Guard aviation assets in the field. They also bring to the GMAS team a deep understanding of the customer requirements, the missions to be performed, and the ability to support the aircraft over the life of the program.
The C-27J is designed to keep pace with changes encountered in a dispersed battlefield, under a diverse range of tactical situations and severe conditions for an extended period of time, without support from the main operating bases. Its interoperability with C-130 and CH-47 assets is critical to meet the operations tempo of today's modular forces. The C-27J is a perfect replacement for the C-23 Sherpa as it is capable of performing all current Sherpa missions. The robust capability of the C-27J ensures the platform is able to meet the emerging needs of the Army's future force intra-theater requirements well into the future.
Under the joint venture agreement, L-3 Integrated Systems and Alenia North America jointly manage GMAS. L-3 Integrated Systems is a leader in aircraft modernization, systems integration, contractor logistics support, training, and simulation. Alenia is a leader in the design and manufacturing of commercial and military aircraft.
The GMAS team embodies an uncompromising commitment to deliver a proven, interoperable, and survivable airlifter to military customers.
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