BAE systems awarded flight control upgrade for Air Fforce C-17 Globemaster III.

Future U.S. Air Force C-17 transports will get a major flight control upgrade following the award of two development programs to BAE SYSTEMS.

Under a $34.7 million contract from Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, BAE SYSTEMS Platform Solutions will develop the C-17's Modernized Flight Control Computer and Spoiler Control Electronic Flap Computer.

The new computers are major components of the C-17 Globemaster III Electronic Flight Control System, on which Platform Solutions is the subsystem integrator. The system provides full-authority fly-by-wire stability augmentation, stall protection, autopilot, flight director, and ground proximity warning functions.

The Modernized Flight Control Computer and Modernized Spoiler Control Electronic Flap Computer will improve reliability, provide capability for increased aircraft functionality, and mitigate parts-obsolescence issues through use of commercial components. The systems will be developed over the next 24 months and go into service on production C-17s in 2005.

"Boeing and BAE SYSTEMS have enjoyed a long relationship on the C-17, with our work on the flight control dating to 1989," said James Scanlon, president of BAE SYSTEMS Platform Solutions. "As the leading avionics supplier on the platform, we are very excited to begin this next phase of the flight control program."

The contract calls for development of the computers and fabrication of four subsystem evaluation stations. The modernized computers will provide greater processor speed, memory, and other attributes that will position the C-17 for new and enhanced capabilities.

A simplified design will improve hardware reliability, and extensive use of COTS (commercial, off-the-shelf) components, coupled with a layered, open architecture using BAE SYSTEMS' CsLEOS real-time operating system, will mitigate risks associated with parts obsolescence.

Boeing plans to begin installing the new equipment beginning with aircraft due for delivery to the Air Force around mid-2005. Including a 60-airplane order awarded last year, the Air Force has ordered 180 of the versatile transports.

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 $18 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 defense 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 with more than 25,000 employees 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 both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.

BAE SYSTEMS Platform Solutions, part of BAE SYSTEMS North America, is a leading global supplier of integrated electronic control products, subsystems, and man-machine interface systems for air, space, sea, and ground vehicles.

The business develops and produces electronic vehicle management systems, electronic engine controls, cockpit and helmet displays, and inertial systems for a variety of platforms including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, missiles, ground vehicles, ships, and space launch vehicles. It also produces HybriDrive propulsion systems for intra-city transit buses and other medium and large vehicles.

Headquartered in Johnson City, it employs approximately 6,400 people at 12 facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom.