GE Aviation Teams With L-3 for USAF KC-10 Aircraft Extension Program.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GE Aviation recently signed an exclusive teaming agreement with L-3 Communications for the United States Air Force KC-10 AMP Aircraft Extension Program (AEP).

"GE Aviation is delighted to partner with L-3 to provide the integrated avionics systems on the KC-10," said Dr. John Ferrie, President of Systems for GE Aviation. "We're both proven providers within the marketplace and make a strong team to supply the most advanced technology in integrated aircraft and avionics systems."

GE will provide systems integration at the avionics level while L-3 will perform aircraft-level integration. More specifically, GE will provide integrated modular avionics for the core processing system, avionics integration including avionic sub-systems and systems integration support to the L-3 aircraft integration; L-3 will provide systems engineering, aircraft design, A-kit design and modification, aircraft systems integration and aircraft certification work.

"The KC-10 has served America for decades," said Bob Drewes, President of L-3's Integrated Systems Group. "The L-3 and GE Aviation KC-10 partnership will bring together the needed capabilities to yield a low-risk, competitive solution and ensure that this platform will continue to accomplish its mission far into the future."

This agreement is a highly integrated synergistic team approach to avionics subsystems design, integration and certification that allows the customer the freedom of choice from a large base of combined avionics systems. Pulling from core technologies in flight management systems, re-fueling technologies, standby instrumentation and overall avionics integration capabilities creates a world-class integration partnership between the two companies. The agreement is through the Systems division of GE Aviation, formerly Smiths Aerospace.

The KC-10 AEP is a major modification to meet the FAA CNS/ATM requirements and include enhancements to the flight deck communication, navigation, and surveillance systems to ensure total interoperability in civil airspace. The upgrades will increase aircraft survivability, reliability, and net-centric operational capabilities, ensuring KC-10 functionality throughout global airspace in digital combat and commercial environments. Powered by three General Electric CF6 turbofan engines, the KC-10 provides a versatile personnel and cargo carrier which deploys fighter aircraft, including support equipment and personnel, nonstop to any point on the globe.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.