Program Runs Through 2014

L-3 Communications announced Thursday its Cincinnati Electronics (L-3 CE) subsidiary has been selected by Alliant Techsystems to provide the avionics subsystem and components for NASA's Ares I launch vehicle. The approximately-$65 million program effort will run through June 2014.

L-3's efforts in the Design, Development, Test & Evaluation phase include design, development, qualification, certification, acceptance and delivery of Ares I First Stage Avionics Subsystem (AS) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).

The First Stage LRUs L-3 is responsible for include the Booster Control Unit, Power Distribution Unit, Data Acquisition/Recorder Unit, Data Recovery Unit, Hydraulic Power Unit Controller, Ignition Separation Controller and the Recovery Control Unit.

"We are extremely pleased to have been selected by Alliant Techsystems to participate in this important new program for NASA's Ares I Launch Vehicle," said Dr. Jim Wimmers, President of L-3 CE. "This selection demonstrates ATK's confidence in L-3 as a key supplier of avionics technology."

As ANN reported, ATK is the prime contractor for the first stage of the Ares 1 crew launch vehicle.

FMI: www.l-3.com, www.atk.com, www.nasa.gov