L-3 Communications announced that its platform Integration division has been awarded $104 million contract to perform aircraft sustainment for the US Navy’s fleet of P-3, EP-3 and NP-3 aircraft. This indefinite-delivery/indefinitequantity (ID/IQ) programme follows a previous programme awarded to L-3 in 2005.

The sustainment, modification and installation programme (SMIP) provides for an intensive depot-level process for P-3 airframe and component inspection and deficiency identification. The programme corrects deficiencies to ensure safe and reliable operation, as well as to enhance the aircraft service life expectancy to sustain inventory levels throughout the service period.

“We are pleased to be selected to continue our work keeping the P-3 mission-ready and flying safely,” said Nick Farah, Executive Vice President of L-3 Platform Systems. “Our ability to accomplish airframe sustainment concurrently with system integration will return these aircraft to service rapidly and affordably.”