Orbit International Corp.'s electronics group has received an initial design and development award in excess of $850,000 from a leading global defense and aerospace prime contractor. The award is for a 12.1-inch, color liquid crystal display (LCD) in support of the U.S. Navy’s new Multi-Mission Maritime Program (MMA) aircraft. The MMA is a P-8A aircraft that is expected to significantly increase the Navy's reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Design and development units are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2007, followed by shipments of hardware, software and qualification units running through the first quarter of 2008.

Once the aircraft is qualified for initial flight service missions, the P-8A aircraft is expected to play a key role in the U.S. Navy's Sea Power Sea Shield concept doctrine, providing anti-submarine, anti-ship and anti-smuggling platforms that can sweep large areas, launch sensors, or weapons as necessary, and remain aloft for an extended period of time.

Admiral Vern Clark, chief of naval operations, publicly endorsed the need for this anti-submarine warfare aircraft, stating "that the MMA will transform the Maritime Patrol/Reconnaissance force by fully integrating manned and unmanned vehicles with the latest state-of-the-art airborne technology."

By fully funding this MMA Aircraft program, the Navy will have the ability to replace its P-3C Orion fleet of aircraft that are approaching the end of their flight service. The new aircraft will incorporate military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and weapons systems. Once the design, development and qualification phases for the P-8A MMA aircraft are complete, the U.S. Navy will replace all of the current P-3C aircraft in service.

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