Grand Rapids, MI -- GE Aviation has been awarded a development contract from the U.S. Navy for AV-8B aircraft radar display computers. The contract is valued at more than $16 million, with completion in 2011 at which time the follow-on production contract is anticipated. 

"GE is applying new technology to the AV-8B's radar display computer, enabling the addition and modification of software functionality for the Harrier," said Stuart Mullan, president, Military Business Unit for GE Aviation Systems. "In addition to providing an advanced technology to the U.S. Navy, the system will facilitate upgrades to address the future needs of the U.S. Marine Corps." 

GE's radar display computer processes all crew station control and display functions in the AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft. The radar display computer will fit within the existing form factor of the existing processor while adding new functionality and updated technology. The new technology will facilitate upgrades to address the future needs of the U.S. Marine Corps. The systems will be designed, manufactured and tested at GE facilities in Michigan and Florida. 

The AV-8B Harrier II Plus is a multi-mission, short-takeoff vertical landing (STOVL) tactical strike aircraft. Because of its short-to-vertical takeoff and landing characteristics, it possesses basing flexibility that is unmatched by other fixed-wing aircraft. It supports a broad selection of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon systems and third-generation technologies that address diverse tactical scenarios. 

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company.