P-3K Orion Communications and Navigation Systems Upgrade
Description
The mission systems and the communication and navigation systems on the six P-3K Orion aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force are being upgraded. The scope of this project includes the replacement of the data management, sensor, communications and navigation systems, and the provision of associated ground systems.
Project Value
NZ$352 million
Timing
Request for Tender (RFT) issued 24 June 2003. The preferred tenderer was announced on 11 February 2004. The contract was awarded on 5 October 2004. The Project is anticipated to be completed in 2013.
Current Status
The contract was awarded to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems of the United States as the prime contractor for the project. The Project is currently within the MoD led Acquisition Phase with the prototype aircraft now in the Acceptance Testing and Evaluation phase prior to being offered to the Ministry of Defence for acceptance.
Early installation of the electro-optics system was carried out during the second half of 2005. This installation on three aircraft is providing a significant increase in visual and infrared detection capabilities as an interim benefit prior to the delivery of the full upgrade.
Work on the full modification for the first aircraft commenced in September 2005, with delivery scheduled for first quarter 2011. The first aircraft is being modified at L-3's facility in Greenville, Texas.
Safe Air Ltd, as L-3's subcontractor, will modify the second to sixth (Production) aircraft in Blenheim. The first Production Aircraft was inducted into Safe Air’s Blenheim facility in June 2009, with an anticipated delivery date Mid 2011. The second Production will be inducted once the Prototype aircraft has been accepted by the Ministry of Defence
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Contact
For more information contact:
Air Force Public Relations
Wellington
New Zealand
Ph +64 4 496 0294
Email Air Force Public Relations