General Dynamics’ Gulfstream, IAI’s Elta Systems and L-3 Communications Form Team to Bid for South Korean Air Force AEW Program
Jun 17, 2004
New Team Offers Proven Products and Technical Solutions That Will Be Interoperable With Korean and American Systems Operating in the Region
General Dynamics’ Gulfstream Aerospace, Israel Aircraft Industries’ Elta Systems Ltd.and L3 Communications have formed a team to compete for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Airborne Early Warning (AEW) System E-X Program. The three companies will submit a combined offer.
All three companies have proven capabilities and products that will be integrated into a highly competitive AEW system to meet the exact requirements of the ROKAF E-X Request for Proposal (RFP). In addition, the offer will include opportunities for South Korean industry to participate in the in-country modification, installation of equipment, and maintenance of the aircraft systems.
Gulfstream Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation, will provide a G550 aircraft with all the necessary modifications for support of the installation of the required electronics equipment. The Israel Air Force has already selected the G550 for its SIGINT and AEW missions.
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems will provide the complete communications suite including data-links and the main ground segments. These data links will enable the Republic of Korea Air Force to have complete interoperability with any U.S. military aircraft deployed to South Korea.
Elta Systems Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd., will provide the main sensors for the aircraft including phased array AEW radar, ESM equipment and the mission system. Elta is a world leader in developing and manufacturing AEW radars and related electronics systems. These systems have been selected for AEW aircraft in other countries including Israel’s G550’s program.
Israel Livnat, president of IAI’s ELTA Systems Ltd., said, “This is a major opportunity for
IAI Elta to team with two excellent American companies and offer an extremely capable system to meet the needs of the Republic of Korea Air Force. All the team members are confident that the combined system we will offer will be the highest quality and widest capability system for the most competitive price, including low lifecycle costs.”
“We have over 40 years’ experience providing systems solutions for U.S. and allied defense aircraft, including experience with IAI/Elta electronics and Gulfstream aircraft,” said Bob Drewes, president of L-3 Integrated Systems. “The powerful combination of Elta, Gulfstream and L-3 will result in an excellent solution designed for the Republic of Korea’s E-X requirements.”
“The capabilities of the Gulfstream G 550 as an AEW platform are already well known, as evidenced by its selection by the Israeli Air Force for this demanding role. We are extremely pleased to be teamed with Elta and L-3 Com in offering these capabilities to the Republic of Korea. Together, our team offers an unbeatable combination of platform performance and reliability, advanced mission system technology, full spectrum communications, life cycle efficiencies and product support,” said Buddy Sams, senior vice president, Government Programs, Gulfstream Aerospace.
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June 22, 2004 at 2:11 am