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BAE SYSTEMS Digital Autopilot System Selected For U.S. Navy P-3 Programme

18 Mar 2003

The U.S. Navy has selected BAE Systems Digital Autopilot System for select configurations of its P-3 patrol aircraft. The product was selected based on its suitability for long-range maritime patrol missions.

"We are extremely pleased that our Digital Autopilot System has been selected for use by the U.S. Navy, and we look forward to delivering a first-class digital autopilot to this important customer," said Tom Herring, vice president of Integrated Systems for BAE Systems Controls.

The BAE Systems P-3 Digital Autopilot System brings a number of important benefits to aircraft operators, including a dual, fully redundant system for enhanced safety, significantly increased system reliability, and lower operating costs. The autopilot has logged more than 10,000 hours with P-3 fleets worldwide, including the U.S. Customs Service, the New Zealand Air Force, and the Australian Air Force. The system also is being delivered as part of Canada's Department of National Defense Project Aurora P-3 fleet-wide upgrade.

The autopilot replaces the legacy P-3 ASW-31 and PB-20 autopilot systems and provides pilots with enhanced modes of operation, including control-wheel steering, navigation steering, a broad range of hold modes, and automatic approach to CAT 1 landings. The system also provides ARINC 429 interfaces that are compatible with current and anticipated Global Air Traffic Management requirements. As an off-the-shelf solution, the autopilot can be installed as a form-fit-function replacement or as part of a larger avionics upgrade programme.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around 12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems, and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in some 30 states and the District of Columbia. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Controls is a leading supplier and integrator of electronic flight controls, engine controls, and navigation guidance for defence and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Plymouth, U.K.; Santa Monica, Westlake Village, and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Cheshire, Connecticut; Wayne, New Jersey; Heath, Ohio; and Redmond, Washington.