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L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training Awarded $26.4 Million Contract for RAAF F/A-18 Training System Program NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- June 16, 2004 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) today announced that its Link Simulation and Training (Link) division has been awarded a $26.4 million contract by Raytheon Australia to provide training equipment for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet Aircrew Training System (HACTS).Raytheon and Link will provide the RAAF with a High Level Architecture, networked training system that will support F/A-18 pilot training. Raytheon will provide overall program management and in-service support at two RAAF bases during the life of the F/A-18 HACTS program. Link will supply the F/A-18 HACTS program with high fidelity simulators that will support both individual and team training. This modern training system will be an evolutionary leap forward in the RAAF's F/A-18 training realism and combat readiness. "This important award allows Link to retain its global presence in F/A-18 simulation and continue its expansion as the leading global provider of distributed mission training systems," said David Love, vice president of business development for Link Simulation and Training. "We look forward to delivering an advanced, networked training solution that supports the Commomwealth's long-term Hornet training requirements." The HACTS will include three high fidelity, Link-built F/A-18 Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs) that can be networked to form an interoperable, synthetic battlespace. The first F/A-18 TOFTs will be integrated with Link's SimuSphere(TM) visual display. The scalable SimuSphere visual display will be integrated on one F/A-18 TOFT in a nine-panel, 360 field-of-view configuration. The other two F/A-18 TOFTs will be integrated with seven-panel SimuSphere displays that will provide the pilot with a 300 horizontal x 130 vertical field-of-view. Link's SimuView(TM) personal computer image generation system will power both out-the-window imagery and cockpit sensor display systems. The HACTS is being procured under the RAAF Hornet Upgrade Phase 2 program and is envisioned to support the entire RAAF F/A-18 training continuum. The F/A-18 TOFTs will reinforce a full range of pilot warfighting skills across both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission areas. In addition, each Link TOFT will be integrated with a Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) training system. This program marks the first ever integration of a JHMCS training capability into a near-eye-relief visual system. The JHMCS, to be deployed on the RAAF's upgraded F/A-18 fleet, gives the pilot a targeting system that can be used to control sensors and weapons through pilot visual cueing. Australia has followed the United States and Canada in recently choosing the Link F/A-18 training system solution. This global commonality will provide a significant life cycle cost benefit to all of Link's F/A-18 customers, while further supporting rapid development and maintenance of simulation systems common with actual aircraft configurations. Link Simulation and Training is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment designed to enhance operational proficiency. Link's services include conducting front end analysis, simulator design and production, and field support. Link has its headquarters operation in Arlington, TX and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY, Orlando, FL, Broken Arrow, OK, and Phoenix, AZ. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems and products, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services, and is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company's recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. |
