OLNEY, Texas – 31 July
Air Tractor and L3 announced today that they will participate in the OA-X capability assessment with the AT-802L Longsword™ aircraft. Aircraft manufacturer Air Tractor and integration specialist L3 Platform Integration have collaborated to create the AT-802L Longsword.
“We are proud of the Longsword and the opportunity to participate in OA-X. We are looking forward to flying at Holloman AFB and showcasing our capabilities to the Air Force and to our partner nations,” said Jim Hirsch, President of Air Tractor.
“The AT-802L Longsword provides a highly effective capability based on a rugged, proven platform that adds class-leading technologies integrated by L3 for a simple, yet powerful solution,” said Jim Gibson, President of L3 Platform Integration and the L3 Aircraft Systems sector.
Like its Military Type Certified predecessor, the AT-802L Longsword light attack and ISR aircraft will provide the Air Force with industry leading payload, endurance, and austere field capability in the OA-X class. All of this along with the lowest entry and sustainment costs in this class.
L3 added a certified, state-of-the-art glass cockpit and the L3 Wescam MX™-15 EO/IR sensor; these are fused together by the world-class L3 ForceX mission management system. The Longsword will provide the Air Force and partner nations with precision targeting and enduring surveillance capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighter aircraft. The AT-802L Longsword will offer an ideal platform in our nation’s fight against insurgencies. Equally important is ease of maintenance and cost of sustainment. For over four decades, Air Tractor has been making airplanes for international clients. Its global network of qualified Air Tractor dealers offers an existing and unmatched parts and service network.
Drawing on a 50-year heritage of rugged, reliable, and cost-effective made-for-the mission
aircraft, the AT-802 Series is a versatile aerial solution for managing evolving security environments. From illegal border crossings, narcotic-trafficking and wildlife poaching to food security and wildfires — the AT-802 Series provides unrivaled versatility, performance and value. The AT-802L Longsword was developed by the companies to satisfy partner nation requirements. Longswords are currently in service with a partner nation and dozens of legacy Air Tractors are supporting light attack and surveillance missions elsewhere.
L3’s Platform Integration division 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. To learn more about L3 Platform Integration, please visit the division’s website at www.L3T.com/pid.
Headquartered in New York City, L3 Technologies employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide and is a leading 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. The company reported 2016 sales of $10.5 billion.
“This experiment was, in part, funded by the U.S. Government. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.”