Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, an L-3 Communications & Thales Company, of Phoenix today formally announced its participation in the Boeing Company's team that will build America's next generation of aerial refueling tankers. ACSS is a leader in safety avionics systems that increase safety, situation awareness and efficiency for commercial and military flight operators.

As a key Arizona member of Boeing's United States Tanker Team, ACSS will become eligible to increase orders if Boeing is awarded the U.S. Air Force tanker contract in 2010. For the Boeing NewGen Aerial Refueling Tanker, ACSS will provide superior situation awareness and formation flying capability by supplying its Traffic Management Computer (TMC) with MASS and a Mode 5 IFF transponder. ACSS has supplied products to Boeing programs throughout its history, including the 767 Global Tanker Transport Program, the P-8 Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) and the E-6B (TACAMO) surveillance aircraft.

"We value the opportunity to be a part of the American team that will build our country's next generation of aerial refueling tankers and we are proud to represent the hard-working people of Arizona in this key partnership with the Boeing Company," said ACSS President Kris Ganase. "We take enormous pride in manufacturing avionics systems that will ensure safety and efficiency in every aircraft flown by our courageous warfighters. We are also pleased that this work will enable us to keep jobs here in Arizona and give back to our employees, their families and our hard-working community."

"The success of our recovery depends on the strength of our businesses," said U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (AZ). "That's why I welcome this important announcement between Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems and Boeing, their commitment to Arizona's workers and businesses, and the critical role they will play for the U.S. Air Force and our nation's security."

Boeing works with more than 575 companies in Arizona alone, paying more than $1.1 billion for services and products. If Boeing is awarded the contract, it would support at least 50,000 new and existing jobs across the United States.

Arizona's Aviation Communications & Surveillance Systems is proud to help Boeing deliver an American-designed and built, combat-ready tanker featuring maximum capability at lowest cost.