General Dynamics Wins P-3C Aircraft Upgrade Contract

General Dynamics has won a multi-year contract to provide next-generation acoustic processing systems as part of the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft upgrade program.

Under the contract, prime contractor Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. will acquire 10 Vpx ENhanced Open architecture Multi-static (VENOM) sonobuoy processors to replace the existing acoustic systems under the "Lot I" P-3C aircraft upgrade program. In 2010, General Dynamics Canada completed delivery of acoustic processors for the Republic of Korea Navy's "Lot II" P-3 upgrade program.

"Acoustic operators face considerable challenges detecting today's stealthy submarine threats, and the sheer volume of sensor data that they must manage and analyze in order to develop a complete situational awareness picture can be overwhelming," said David Ibbetson , vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems - International. "This new, advanced generation of acoustic processors helps operators handle their complex tasks more effectively and efficiently than ever before."

The VENOM system is an advanced acoustic processor designed to provide underwater acoustic signal acquisition and processing capabilities, automation and sophisticated tools that help acoustic operators to quickly and accurately detect, classify and track submarines in complex undersea environments. The compact size and modularity of VENOM's 3U VPX form factor makes it ideal for new or retrofit airborne applications.