L-3 Communications is considering a new avionics suite for the Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan transport, with an eye to removing Lockheed Martin's last foothold of proprietary technology in the aircraft.
Software running the C-27J's cockpit systems is based on an operational flight programme jointly owned by Alenia and Lockheed, meaning the latter must agree to license the technology to L-3 to deliver the Joint Cargo Aircraft fleet to the US Army and US Air Force.
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The L-3/Alenia team secured protracted final approval for a 78-aircraft deal last month, after an appeal by losing rival Raytheon was rejected. Lockheed co-developed the C-27J with Alenia in the mid-1990s, but lost its systems integrator role to L-3 after the JCA contest began. Lockheed's larger C-130J Hercules now competes in some markets against the Spartan.
To consolidate its position on the JCA programme, L-3 is interested in upgrading the C-27J with a proprietary operational flight programme. The proposed work also would replace the aircraft's Honeywell flight management system, with a replacement to be opened up for competition.
L-3 executives view the opportunity as a step on the road to becoming a mainstream cockpit systems integrator. The company also plans to open a centre of excellence for the C-130 cockpit, to deliver competing options to Boeing's Avionics Modernisation Programme upgrade kits.
"This is a big step for us," says L-3 Communications Integration Systems president Bob Drewes. "It's part of the evolution of our company."
However, the C-27J cockpit upgrade still remains a distant proposal while L-3's team concentrates on meeting the JCA contract schedule. The first C-27J must be delivered to the US Army next September, followed by a second in November 2008.
The team's delivery schedule also has to factor in shifting assembly and production from Italy to Florida, where Boeing would take control of manufacturing activities. The transition to US manufacturing may occur as early as fiscal year 2010, when the annual production rate will reach 11 aircraft, says Drewes. "We are staying focused on getting this airplane as we proposed it delivered," he adds. "In the course of events at some point the possibility of introducing changes will be discussed."
More immediately, the C-27J will be the focus of an international sales campaign. Representatives from 20 air forces will travel to the USA during November for a USAF-sponsored conference on JCA sales.
Source: Flight International
