L-3 Approved for Low-Rate Initial Production of EP-3E Spiral 3 Aircraft

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Platform Integration division has been approved to begin low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the U.S. Navy’s EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft, featuring an upgraded intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission avionics suite. Under the LRIP program, L-3 will manufacture and install this new capability on three EP-3E aircraft.

“This approach ensures the high-demand EP-3E fleet can meet emerging operational needs using innovative network-centric technology that is adaptable to other platforms.”

The successful completion of developmental testing using the L-3-modified prototype EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft provided the basis for the Navy’s LRIP decision. The operational test phase of this project is currently underway, after which a full-rate production decision will be made regarding the modifications of the remaining aircraft in the EP-3E fleet to the Spiral 3 configuration.

“The EP-3E Spiral 3 program continues to demonstrate the importance of using proven and validated technology insertion to stay ahead of threats,” said Nick Farah, acting president of L-3 Platform Integration. “This approach ensures the high-demand EP-3E fleet can meet emerging operational needs using innovative network-centric technology that is adaptable to other platforms.”

As part of the Spiral 3 modification, L-3 will install state-of-the-art communications intelligence (COMINT) equipment, replacing aging and obsolete sensors and increasing the aircraft’s networking capabilities. These modifications improve onboard data analysis and provide real-time tactical intelligence dissemination.

L-3 began design of the Spiral 3 improvements in late 2007, delivering the prototype used for testing in 2010.

L-3 Platform Integration provides complex integration services for military, commercial and OEM customers at its aircraft integration facility in Waco, Texas. Its products and services include avionics and aircraft modernization, flight sciences engineering and certification, MRO, major modifications, VIP interior completion, and serving as prime contractor for the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C³ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2010 sales of $15.7 billion.

To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.

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