EP-3E Spiral 3 Aircraft avionics upgrade from L-3 approved for low-rate initial production

Posted by John McHale
NEW YORK, 18 April 2011. The upgraded intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission avionics suite from L-3 Platform Integration in Waco, Texas, for the U.S. Navy's EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft has been approved for low-rate initial production (LRIP). L-3 will manufacture and install this new capability on three EP-3E aircraft.
As part of the Spiral 3 modification, L-3 will install state-of-the-art communications intelligence (COMINT) equipment, replacing aging and obsolete sensors and increasing the aircraft's networking capabilities. These modifications improve onboard data analysis and provide real-time tactical intelligence dissemination.
Completed developmental testing using the L-3-modified prototype EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft provided the basis for the Navy's LRIP decision. The operational test phase of this project is currently underway, after which a full-rate production decision will be made regarding the modifications of the remaining aircraft in the EP-3E fleet to the Spiral 3 configuration.
"The EP-3E Spiral 3 program continues to demonstrate the importance of using proven and validated technology insertion to stay ahead of threats," says Nick Farah, acting president of L-3 Platform Integration. "This approach ensures the high-demand EP-3E fleet can meet emerging operational needs using innovative network-centric technology that is adaptable to other platforms."
L-3 began design of the Spiral 3 improvements in late 2007, delivering the prototype used for testing in 2010.
L-3 provides complex integration services for military, commercial, and OEM customers at its aircraft integration facility in Waco, Texas. Its products and services include avionics and aircraft modernization, flight sciences engineering and certification, MRO, major modifications, VIP interior completion, and serving as prime contractor for the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft.