BAE SYSTEMS Begins Flight And Fire Control Upgrades On Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II AIircraft
12 Aug 2004
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft are receiving a substantial performance upgrade from a new flight and fire control computer and software upgrade designed and developed by BAE Systems.
BAE Systems Platform Solutions received a contract from Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego, the A-10 prime contractor and Prime Team lead. The team also includes Southwest Research Institute and Northrop Grumman. The effort to equip the entire Thunderbolt fleet with an Integrated Flight and Fire Control Computer (IFFCC) is valued at $30 million.
Accompanied by an updated Suite 2 software package, the new control is significantly improving aircraft and weapon-system safety, accuracy, and maintainability.
Since the 1970s, the A-10 has been a vital component of the Air Forces close-air support capability, and we are proud of our continuing role in improving this very capable platform, said Jim Garceau, vice president of Aerospace Controls for BAE Systems Platform Solutions. The Platform Solutions unit developed and produced the A-10s Low-Altitude Safety and Targeting Enhancement system, forerunner to IFFCC.
BAE Systems is producing the new computers and working closely with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force to manage system installations on all A-10 squadrons throughout the world. The company is providing on-site engineering support and familiarisation training for pilots and maintenance personnel.
Among the flight and fire control computers added capabilities:
* An automated, continuously computed weapon delivery function that improves accuracy and reduces pilot workload.
* A digital terrain system that uses terrain elevation data for ground collision avoidance and to aid in weapon delivery. The system incorporates BAE Systems TERPROM digital terrain software.
* Growth capability to support additional functions, including the Precision Engagement Suite 3 modification.
* Easier system maintenance and elimination of parts obsolescence issues associated with the previous-generation technology.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. 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.
The companys Platform Solutions Sector provides a wide range of products and capabilities that include fly-by-wire flight controls, digital autopilots and flight directors, full-authority digital engine controls, inertial sensors and navigation guidance systems, displays, integrated avionics, power management systems, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, low-visibility precision landing systems, air traffic management systems, launch-vehicle controls, and hybrid electric vehicle drive systems. The sector is based in Johnson City, N.Y., and employs more than 6,000 people at facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
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