Meggitt Delivers on Multi-Million Pound ‘Spartan’ Contract

HAMPSHIRE, UK --- Meggitt Avionics has helped a team led by L-3 Communications to support delivery of the first of the United States Joint Cargo Aircraft to the United States Army and Air Force. The Hampshire-based Meggitt group business designed and manufactured the threat warning indicators and air data computers for the twin-engine, mid-range, medium-lift turboprop cargo plane known as the C-27J Spartan.>> The current JCA contract plans for 78 aircraft, 54 of which are scheduled to be operated by the Army to replace the US Armys C-23 Sherpas, and portions of the C-12 and C-26 fleet. The US Air Force will operate 24 JCA. The JCA will augment the US Armys and Air Forces existing fleet of direct support, intra-theatre airlifters with aerial sustainment and critical re-supply support for manoeuvre forces. Its missions will range from transporting cargo and personnel to MEDEVAC, humanitarian assistance and homeland security.>> Four air data computers measuring altitude and airspeed and two of Meggitts threat warning indicators will be fitted on each aircraft. The indicators incorporate light-emitting diode backlit displays for high quality optical performance and long-term reliability. The product can be configured easily for new and mature aircraft.>>> Part of Meggitt PLCs Sensing Systems division, Meggitt Avionics specialises in secondary flight displays, air data sensors and data acquisition systems. Meggitt Avionics, based in Fareham, Hampshire, UK has around 300 employees.>> The Meggitt group designs and makes high performance components and systems for aerospace and defence but applies its core sensing and controls technologies to land and marine-based gas turbines and the medical, mainstream industrial, test engineering and transportation sectors. The group employs c. 8,000 people across 34 operating companies.