Avionics designers at L-3 Communications, New York, needed an autopilot system for P-3 Orion aircraft to be used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. They found a solution in the Digital Autopilot Systems (DAS) from BAE Systems Platform Solutions in Johnson City, N.Y.

For this $3 million contract, engineers at BAE Systems will upgrade their existing DAS with a new flight director and an upgrade to the autopilot control panel. This award follows the U.S. Navy’s 2004 award of a $41.9 million contract to upgrade 150 P-3 Orion aircraft with the digital autopilot.

The P-3 DAS is a dual-redundant digital autopilot system that offers enhanced safety, high system reliability, and lower operating costs. The system provides pilots with enhanced modes of operation, including control-wheel steering, navigation steering, a broad range of hold modes, and automatic approach to CAT 1 landings. It also provides ARINC 429/MIL-STD-1553 interfaces that are compatible with current and anticipated Global Air Traffic Management requirements. For more information, see www.na.baesystems.com/platformsolutions.