Lease and Learn: L-3’s EW Training Aircraft
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L-3 Flight International’s modified Learjets include uprated on-board power systems, internal electronics, and the ability to carry a range of external pods to help them simulate enemy radar and communications jammers in Navy training exercises. The modified business jets can also tow targets for gunnery training, and perform related tasks.
L-3 has performed this role for many years now, and chartered aircraft of various kinds play a significant role in US Navy exercises, within the commercial air services (CAS) program.
Phoenix Air, whose Learjet “Grey Birds” were recently chartered by US Africa Command, provides a very similar set of electronic warfare and target services, using its own Learjet and Gulstream G-1 turboprops.
ATAC leases similar services, but its platforms are second-hand fighter jets like the IAI Kfir and A-4 Skyhawk.
Meanwhile, Omega Refueling Services is available to provide aerial refueling.
Contracts and Key Events
Oct 22/12: A $31.9 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract modification. L-3 FI will provide airborne EW and threat simulation training for shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew, with funds requested as needed for exercises.
Work will be performed in Newport News, VA (50%) and San Diego, CA (50%), and is expected to be complete in December 2013 (N00019-09-D-0018).
Nov 2/11: A $29.1 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract modification. L-3 FI wil provide airborne EW and attack threat simulation training for shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew.
Work will be performed in Newport News, VA (50%), and San Diego, CA (50%), and is expected to be complete in October 2012 (N00019-09-D-0018).
Oct 28/10: A $24.6 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract modification for services in support of the commercial air services (CAS) program. Work will be performed in various locations throughout the United States (East Coast, 45%; West Coast, 35%), and outside the continental United States (20%), and is expected to be complete in October 2011 (N00019-09-D-0018).
This Pentagon announcement includes aircraft “for tanking of Navy and other government agencies…” as well as the standard airborne threat simulation to train shipboard and aircraft squadrons in countering enemy electronic warfare and electronic attack operations. L-3 Flight International doesn’t offer aerial tanker services, so the inclusion appears to be a poorly-worded attempt to describe the entire CAS program, rather than L-3’s contract.
March 23/10: A $12.1 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity contract for airborne EW and attack threat simulation training for shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew.
Work will be performed in Newport News, VA (50%) and San Diego, CA (50%) and is expected to be complete in October 2010 (N00019-09-D-0018).
April 10/09: A $21.9 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for airborne EW and attack threat simulation training for shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew.
Work will take place in Newport News, VA (50%) and San Diego, CA (50%), and is expected to be complete in October 2009 (N00019-09-D-0018).
Jan 1/09: L-3 Flight International announces that US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is extending contract N00019-09-D-0018 for a 10 month period, a $16 million value.
Under the contract L-3 Flight International provides commercial air services of various types to support fleet combat readiness training. Aircraft capabilities requirements include, but are not limited to, the carrying of external pods for Electronic Warfare, target towing, and internal military operations, i.e., Air Intercept Control, Electronic Combat, Antisubmarine Air Control, and RDT&E Electronic Combat. In flight air test services are also provided under the contract in support of the Naval Research Laboratory.
