LM contracts GE for open systems avionics

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 14 (UPI) -- GE-Aviation has been contracted for its open systems avionics technologies in support of a U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft agreement.

The GE-Aviation contract award was from U.S. company Lockheed Martin. The contract specifies GE-Aviation will supply their open systems avionics solution, which supports the block 7.0 communications navigation identification for the C-130J flight deck avionics system. The contract will support more than 230 Air Force aircraft.

The $30 million contract from Lockheed Martin, with the exception of production, is expected to extend over the life of the C-130J program. The C-130J replaced the Air Force's aging C-130Es and C-130Hs.

"The C-130J's open systems architecture provides the ideal platform to enhance the aircraft's performance," John Ferrie, GE Aviation Systems president, said in a statement.

"Our broad avionics and systems integration experience on C-130 aircraft makes us the ideal partner to support this important upgrade to the U.S. Air Force's fleet."