Edmonton-based SPAR Aerospace Ltd., a subsidiary of L-3 Communications Corp., New York NY, has inked a teaming agreement with the Electronic Systems Division of ITT Industries Inc., White Plains NY, for the joint development, marketing and implementation of electronic warfare (EW) systems for the global C-130 Hercules transport and other military aircraft platforms.

SPAR will be the prime contractor, with ITT acting as EW system provider and integrator. EW is a suite of electronic warfare technologies, systems and services that enable mission success and survivability for aircraft, and include advanced threat warning, situational awareness and electronic and electro-optic countermeasures equipment and suites, SPAR says.

“With C-130s operating in war zones or in harm’s way supporting critical missions, the demand for EW has increased dramatically,” SPAR President Patrice Pelletier says. “Air forces around the world have recognized how important it is to protect their air transport assets and ensure the safety of their personnel when operating in hot spots like Iraq or Afghanistan."

The EW systems will be offered as part of SPAR’s Herc2020 total life extension programs for E and H-model C-130 aircraft, as well as a stand-alone special mission approach for other platforms,

According to SPAR, the C-130 is the workhorse of most air forces and provides a vital function, transporting people, supplies and equipment to, from, between or within a theater of war.

Air transport is also the quickest way to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, often in dangerous or hostile environments. The C-130 is vulnerable to a variety of threats, including surface-to-air missiles, self-propelled, infrared and radar threats, SPAR is a Lockheed Martin approved C-130 Hercules aircraft service center, the only one in North America outside of Lockheed Martin itself. With more than 800 employees across Canada, it has facilities in Edmonton, Trenton and Mississauga ON and Venice, Italy.