Textron Systems’ AAI business to deliver upgraded systems test, retrofit kits to extend life of U.S. Air Force aircraft

HUNT VALLEY, Md., 27 May 2016. AAI Corp., doing business as Textron Systems Electronic Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) business, has received two separate delivery orders for 15 AN/USM-670A Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Testers (JSECST) and 95 AN/USM-670A Retrofit Kits worth $11.5 million on an existing four-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Air Force in Warner Robins, Ga.

“The JSECST system has been a workhorse for the U.S. Department of Defense and so many of our allies for more than 15 years, delivering reliable, repeatable testing for mission-critical systems and giving aircrews the confidence they need to execute their missions,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Steve T. Mensh. “Our advanced-performance JSECST tester and upgrade kits will give our customers decades of additional product life and performance enhancements, through a streamlined, low-risk service life extension program. This approach creates exceptional value for our customers over time.”

The orders are a continuation of a four-year U.S. Air Force IDIQ contract valued at up to $43.6 million. In total, the IDIQ contract will fund the manufacture and delivery of roughly 50 AN/USM-670A JSECST systems, 13 Laboratory JSECST systems, 410 AN/USM-670A Retrofit Kits, and 20 Laboratory JSECST Retrofit Kits. Work on these orders is being performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by 30 Sept. 2018.

The next-generation JSECST has been approved for use by the Air Force, Navy, and Army after six months of rigorous regression testing to verify its capabilities. The advanced-performance JSECST upgrade kit adds an estimated 20 years of useful life, plus the capability to test a range of new mission-critical aircraft systems.

Both the new test sets and test sets with the upgrade kit are backward compatible with existing JSECST test program sets and accessories, for ease of use and affordability. The JSECST common Core Test Set and tailored Test Program Set with antenna couplers or interface adapters customize performance characteristics to the platform under test.

Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services, and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol, and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron brands include: Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.