L-3 Communications,
New York NY: L-3 Communications has announced that its Display Systems (L-3 Display Systems) division has been awarded a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to provide the Panoramic Cockpit Display (PCD) subsystem for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.
The potential contract value over the life of the program is over $200 million, with delivery of the first operational aircraft to the armed services scheduled for 2009.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 is a 5th generation, supersonic, multi-role stealth fighter designed to replace aging AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.
Under the terms of the contract, L-3 Display Systems will lead an International Integrated Product Development Team that will design, qualify and manufacture the high-resolution, high-brightness, night vision-compatible 20″x 8″ active matrix liquid crystal display and a highly redundant display management computer. L-3 Display Systems' team members include Logic Sistemi Avionici of Milan, Italy; Aydin Yazilim ve Elektronik Sanayii of Turkey; Philips Mobile Electronics of Heerlen, The Netherlands and others.
The L-3 Display Systems PCD provides pilot control and display for the major functions of the JSF aircraft, including flight displays; sensor displays; communication, radio and navigation systems and identification systems, and provides the pilot with total situational awareness.
This cost-effective, low weight display is intended for a seamless production insertion into the JSF program and is designed to meet the demanding environment of the F-35 fighter aircraft. The L-3 Display Systems display subsystem will be compatible with the F-35 Operational Flight Program software developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
“We are honored to have earned this opportunity to extend our outstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program,” said Bob McGill, president of L-3's newly formed Displays Group.
“L-3 Display Systems is a leader in providing high-performance display systems for demanding environments and we look forward to providing the F-35 with our most advanced display and processing technology.”
