Lockheed taps GE for C-130J

Lockheed Martin has selected GE Aviation to supply the open systems avionics solution for the Block 7.0 communications/navigation/identification for the C-130J flight deck avionics system. The contract has an estimated value of more than $30 million over the life of the program, excluding production. It involves more than 230 aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force and other international air forces.

The GE-supplied equipment features a computer platform with an AE653 partitioned operating system with extensive processing capability and growth. The platform hosts GE’s flight management software application as well as other GE-produced and third-party software applications.

GE will also provide systems and subsystems integration and support to the customer. The development is currently taking place and production will commence in 2010.