L3 Technologies has received a contract from The Australian Government to deliver four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft with next-generation airborne electronic warfare (EW) capability.
The aircraft, designated MC-55A Peregrine, will be used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The contract is worth more than $1bn and requires L3 to deliver the aircraft equipped with an integrated mission system that provides the latest EW capabilities. Work on the MC-55A Peregrine programme began in 2017.
L3 Technologies chairman, CEO and president Christopher Kubasik said: “Our mission solution and electronic warfare capabilities are highly sought after by our allies.
“As business jets are increasingly utilised for EW purposes, we have invested in miniaturising our capabilities to deliver new resources for our customers. Australia is a very important market for L3, and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with the RAAF and the local supplier base in support of the Peregrine programme.”
Australia intends to integrate the MC-55A Peregrine into the Defence’s joint combat networks.
This will allow the aircraft to serve as a critical link between platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, Navy surface combatants and amphibious assault ships, as well as ground assets.
L3 ISR Systems business segment president Jeff Miller said: “This capability will greatly strengthen the RAAF’s goal to becoming a fully networked fifth-generation force and considerably enhance their global effect on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
“It will serve as a critical link between air, land and sea assets to provide airborne electronic warfare support to Commonwealth and allied warfighters in complex operating environments.”
Work related to the MC-55A Peregrine programme is being carried out at L3’s Greenville, Texas facility and at Gulfstream in Savannah, Georgia.
Apart from airframe modifications to accommodate mission systems and secure communications equipment, the work also includes installation of a self-protection suite, and ground-based data processing systems.
The procurement is expected to bolster electronic warfare support to naval, air and land forces for operations in complex electromagnetic environments.
