Boeing To Provide Avionics Systems For New Czech Aircraft
The Boeing Company signed a contract on July 25 with Aero Vodochody Ltd. of the Czech Republic, to provide advanced avionics and weapon delivery systems for 72 lead-in fighter aircraft for the Czech Air Force. Value of the program is approximately $300 million.
Boeing designed and developed the avionics and weapons delivery suite for the aircraft under a previous contract with Aero Vodochody.
Ken Medlin, vice president and general manager, of the Communications & Information Management Division for Boeing, said, "Our working relationship with Aero Vodochody on the development phase of this program has been extremely rewarding. We look forward to providing the Czech Air Force with a quality product that will serve them well into the next century."
The prototype aircraft was unveiled at ceremonies in the Czech Republic on June 12. The first production aircraft will be delivered to the Czech Air Force in 1999.
Boeing leads a multinational team of major defense subcontractors for this program, including:
- AlliedSignal - supplier of multifunction displays, air data computer, and IFF transponder;
- Flight Visions, supplier of the head-up display system;
- Dynamic Controls Hamilton Standard, supplier of the stores management system;
- FIAR, supplier of the Grifo-L fire control radar; and
- GEC-Marconi, supplier of the radar warning receiver.
The L-159 is based on the well-proven airframe design and aerodynamic configuration of Aero Vodochody's L-39/59 aircraft family. Designed for the Czech Air Force as a light weight, cost-effective multi-role aircraft, the primary L-159 operational capabilities include close air support, air defense border patrol, and anti-ship missions.
The Boeing avionics and combat system features integrated navigation, air-to-ground, and air-to-air combat functions that provide the pilot with easily reconfigurable multi-role capabilities. It provides capabilities similar to the latest front-line fighters and attack aircraft in NATO, and includes provisions that enable it to be easily adapted to satisfy mission requirements from other countries.
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