L-3 Aeromet Optical Programs is continually advancing remote sensing capability for the most challenging airborne surveillance missions, with an emphasis on Missile Defense. Our team of scientists, engineers, and technicians work to quickly and efficiently develop cost effective solutions for very challenging problems. For the BMD, these problems include pointing, acquisition, tracking, and collecting data on missiles during all phases of flight. Our expertise also includes data reduction and analysis. Our techniques and methodologies have withstood and passed the scrutiny of peer review.

To provide the premier service our customers expect, we design and build EO-IR sensor suites designed to meet their requirements. We have the capability to design custom airborne systems to meet complex requirements.

An excellent example of our work is the High Altitude Observatory (HALO) program, currently implemented on two Gulfstream IIB aircraft. The HALO aircraft are premier airborne data collection assets; designated as HALO-I and HALO-II. HALO-I is a flying laboratory that utilizes in-house designed and built systems, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors, and sensors from National Laboratories to meet mission objectives. With HALO-I, we provide a quick, effective response to rapidly changing and challenging problems. HALO-II, designed and built to capture data in all phases of missile flight, is flying a large 35 cm aperture open port EO-IR sensor mounted in a pod on top of the aircraft. The premier system on HALO-II is a very sensitive long-wave infrared capability. Complementing the LWIR are very capable visible and mid-wave infrared systems. The HALO program has successfully participated in well over 180 optical surveillance missions for the U.S. Department of Defense supporting BMD technology development, National Missile Defense (NMD), and Theater Missile Defense (TMD) programs.

A logical extension of our Optical Programs is using the HALO remote sensing capabilities for more than just missile tests. We established the Airborne Infrared Sensors (AIRS) program to leverage our remote sensing and data analysis expertise to develop/explore the military utility of HALO-II class sensors for other applications. Congress has funded this effort from FY02.

Since its inception, L-3 Aeromet has been actively involved with government research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs. Our scientists and engineers continue developing innovative cost effective solutions for remote sensing problems.

Aeronautical Programs
Our customers demand and expect a rapid response from us. To meet this requirement, we needed the ability to rapidly modify aircraft to meet very dynamic customer needs. L-3 Aeromet ‘grew’ this capability and now offers a full-range of aircraft system integration and modification capabilities specifically tailored to special mission aircraft. We work closely with our customers to clearly define their mission requirements, and are dedicated to finding the optimum, most cost-effective solutions to meet their needs. In addition, as part of L-3 IS, very large aircraft are easily accommodated at our Greenville, Texas facility.

Installation & Integration of Special Purpose Electronic Systems
Environmental Control and Equipment Cooling Systems
Specialized Instrumentation Installations
Aircraft and Mission Electrical Power Systems
Interior Furnishings, Operator Consoles, and Equipment Racks
Avionics Upgrades & Modifications
Airframe Modifications
Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control Testing
Optical Windows and Ports Integrated System Testing
Under-Wing and Fuselage Mounted Cupolas, Pods, Fairings, and Radomes
FAA and Military Certification
Mechanisms & Mechanical Systems
Captive Flight Testing Capabilities

L-3 Aeromet routinely participates in the type of weapons systems research and development that requires captive flight-testing. We are typically involved throughout the captive flight-testing process, from engineering development, to aircraft modifications, to flight and drop tests.