L3 debuts Longsword, shows SPYDR II ISR aircraft at Paris Air Show

PARIS AIR SHOW. L3 Technologies (NYSE:LLL) is exhibiting two next-generation tactical aircraft from its expanding stable of multi-mission platforms at Paris Air Show as part of its outdoor static display. L3’s Aerospace Systems business segment is debuting the AT-802L Longsword, an FAA- and military-certified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and light-attack aircraft, and the SPYDR II, the next generation of flexible ISR capability.

“These two innovative platforms demonstrate L3’s world-class integration and missionization capabilities in meeting the highly specialized needs of our customers,” says L3’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael T. Strianese.

The AT-802L is a collaboration between L3 Platform Integration and Air Tractor Inc. Longsword is a low-cost aircraft with FAA and Military Type airworthiness certifications that can be configured for ISR or light-attack missions.

L3’s AT-802L Longsword combines the strength and simplicity of the Air Tractor AT-802 with modern technologies to deliver outstanding ISR and light-strike capability. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The AT-802L Longsword is a fully certified light-attack aircraft that provides more loiter time and greater weapons payload than other aircraft in its class,” says Mark Von Schwarz, president of L3 Aerospace Systems, which includes both the Mission Integration and Platform Integration divisions. “Regardless of the mission, Longsword delivers a variety of sensors and weapons at the lowest risk and price in the market.”

SPYDR II is the latest in L3 Mission Integration’s long line of tactical ISR aircraft. It capitalizes on L3’s decades of experience in integrating, flying, and maintaining King Air-based ISR aircraft, and brings together a range of combat-proven capabilities onto a single airframe.

“In addition to extended range, SPYDR II features RAPDS, our Rapid Aircraft Payload Deployment System, which enables the aircraft to reconfigure for mission operations in a very short time frame,” Von Schwarz says. “We specifically designed the RAPDS interior and exterior modifications to support roll-on/roll-off mission operations. The RAPDS architecture is supported by multiple, tailorable Supplemental Type Certificates, allowing operators to quickly switch between customized payload combinations to meet specific mission requirements.”

Both aircraft will be on static display with experts available to brief the capabilities of each.

L3’s Platform Integration division, located in Waco, Texas, provides complex aircraft integration, sustainment, and modification services for military, commercial, and OEM customers. Spanning 30 years, the company’s experience includes aircraft systems integration for maritime surveillance, advanced communications, and avionics modernization on platforms ranging from small turboprop and business class aircraft to wide-body jets.

Located in Greenville, Texas, L3 Mission Integration is an industry leader in the missionization, modernization, and maintenance of aircraft and ground systems, with more than 65 years of experience in developing complex intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; command and control systems; and secure communications.

Headquartered in New York City, L3 Technologies employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide and is a provider of a broad range of communication, electronic, and sensor systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms. L3 is also a prime contractor in aerospace systems, security and detection systems, and pilot training.