Rockwell pursues USAF's T-38 Avionics Upgrade Program.

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 1996--Rockwell is leading an alliance of highly regarded and experienced companies in pursuit of the U.S. Air Force T-38 Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP).

The T-38 training system provides flight training for pilots slated for the USAF's advanced F-15, F-16 and F-22 fighters and B-1 and B-2 bombers.

Because the current aircraft and ground-based trainers are based on 1960s technology, they do not adequately train pilots for the advanced digital electronics of today's fighter/bomber aircraft. The AUP will correct the current deficiencies and enable the T-38 to be used as the lead-in trainer for advanced fighter/bombers over the next 30 years.

The Air Force plans to award the contract this summer. "The competition incorporates many of the acquisition streamlining benefits established by Secretary of Defense Perry's reforms and the `Lighting Bolt' initiatives of Asst. Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Darleen Druyun," said John McLuckey, president and chief operating officer, Rockwell Aerospace and Defense.

"Rockwell has embraced these reforms, as shown by our capture of the first major `Lightning Bolt' competition -- the avionics upgrade of the fleet of 602 C/KC-135 aircraft."

The AUP is a major modification of the T-38 training system including modernization of the aircraft's avionics, ground-based training system, and the necessary changes to the logistics support system.

In total, the Air Force expects to modify 425 T-38 aircraft with modern digital electronics cockpits including Head-Up Displays (HUD), color Multifunction Displays (MFDs), on-board simulated weapons delivery, and modern communications and navigation equipment.

The Air Force is also upgrading the T-38 ground-based trainers with 14 new aircrew training devices that provide a safe and cost- effective environment for much of the initial pilot training. The flexible bus-based architecture and growth capacity of the AUP will give the T-38 training system the ability to provide for the training needs of fighter/bomber pilots today and well into the next century.

Rockwell's North American Aircraft Modification Division (NAAMD) is leading the integrated product team (IPT) as the prime contractor and system integrator. NAAMD was formed by Rockwell several years ago specifically to provide the full spectrum of resources required for aircraft modification.

The division recently completed the F-111F Pacer Strike program for the Air Force. The F-111F is one of the most successful aircraft modification programs ever conducted by an Air Force/Industry team.

Highlights include the successful reuse of 80 percent of the software from prior F-111 programs, a flawless functional flight test program with 12 of 12 effective sorties, and delivery of the final modification kits 12 months ahead of schedule. NAAMD is currently completing delivery of AC-130U Gunships to the USAF Special Operations Forces and is the avionics system integrator for the Czech Republic's light attack/trainer aircraft, designated the L-159.

Rockwell Collins, a world leader in aircraft avionics, is providing advanced digital electronics and software for the T-38. Collins has a long history of successful performance in military and commercial aviation, having supplied flight management systems for over 50 years.

Other T-38 AUP team members include:

Flight Visions Inc., Sugar Grove, Ill., is supplying the Head-Up Display for the T-38. Flight Visions is an industry leader in the introduction of HUD technology to commercial aviation and the adaptation of commercial HUD systems to military aircraft. Flight Visions' HUDs are FAA certified as the primary flight display on a number of civil fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Chesapeake Systems Integration Inc., Chantilly, Va., provides the team's expertise in Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs). Chesapeake is a small, customer-oriented business specializing in the development and support of training and simulation systems. The reputation of Chesapeake's managerial and technical staff is highly regarded in the training system arena.

A vast majority of their experience has been gained on previous successful T-38 programs for both the United States and NATO Air Forces, and Chesapeake has continuously been successful in bringing a streamlined, commercial approach to the military training and simulation marketplace. Rockwell has formed a strong alliance with this fast-growing company in pursuit of the T-38 AUP.

UNC/Lear Services (UNC-LSI), a subsidiary of UNC Aviation Services, is the contractor of choice for T-38 modification and installation services. Unsurpassed in its expert, in-depth knowledge of T-38 aircraft, UNC-LSI has completed more than 1,100 T-38 airframe modifications since 1976.

This equates to more than 12 million quality man-hours on T-38 maintenance and modification projects -- eclipsing all other service contracts. The T-38 installation phase will be conducted in Government-furnished facilities at Kelly AFB in San Antonio.

UNC-LSI currently performs relevant modification work on T-38 aircraft at Randolph AFB, also located in San Antonio. In addition, UNC-LSI maintains approximately 100T/AT-38s for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB and maintains F-5 aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Raytheon Aerospace Co. (formerly known as Beech Aerospace Services Inc. BASI) has joined Rockwell as an exclusive subcontractor to supply Contractor Operated and Managed Base Supply (COMBS). The company is currently providing COMBS services for the Air Force Air Education and Training Command's T-1 Jayhawk aircraft.

Rockwell is a diversified, high-technology company holding leadership market positions in automation, avionics, semiconductor systems, aerospace, defense electronics, automotive component systems and graphic systems, with annual worldwide sales of $13 billion.

CONTACT: Rockwell

Lou Damiani, 714/762-5350