L3 to provide enhanced MUMT-X capability for Apache helicopters

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World Defense & Security Industry News - L3
 
 
L3 to provide enhanced MUMT-X capability for Apache helicopters
 
L3 Technologies has received a production contract for the U.S. Army's MUMT-X program for Apache attack helicopters, the company reported on Monday. The Manned/Unmanned Teaming-eXpanded Capabilities helicopter program is for the teaming of communications and data between manned and unmanned aircraft.
     
L3 enhanced mumtx apache helicopters 925 001 The Apache AH-64E, which can team with unmanned aerial vehicles for communications and data networking. (Photo: Boeing)
     
MUMT-X provides the Apache AH-64E with such a capability that is more robust, lighter and less expensive than the original Unmanned Aircraft System control system. "Our performance on the MUMT-X development program illustrates our commitment to providing innovative technology that meets the needs of the warfighter," Christopher E. Kubasik, L3's president and chief operating officer, said in a press release. "This contract award continues L3's long-term support of the Apache program and exemplifies our dedication to delivering transformational capabilities."

The production contract, worth $97 million, follows L3's completion of a 2015 MUMT-X communications upgrade contract for systems for high-speed transmissions of wideband video and data. Under the contract, L3 will provide Apache MUMT-X above-rotor Unmanned Aerial System Receive technology solutions to support MUMT operations and air-to-air-to-ground line-of-sight data links. The work will be performed by L3 CS-West, a division of L3 Technologies for high-performance networks.