ITT Exelis, BAE, and L-3 have teamed up and formed a new joint venture – IBL JV – to bid for the US Air Force (USAF) Space Command’s planned Launch and Test Range System Integrated Support Contract (LISC).

The LISC includes USAF Eastern and Western Ranges operations and maintenance (O&M) and sustainment services.

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The team is currently working for Air Force Spacelift Range System (SLRS) contract, which will be merged with LISC contract with the Eastern Range Technical Services and Western Range Operations Communications and Information contracts.

Exelis C3 Systems vice president and general manager Pat Carr said the company has contributed to more than 280 successful launches on the Eastern Range at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida and the Western Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US since work commenced on the SLRS contract in 2000.

"With our IBL joint venture partners, we will be able to provide greater integration across both ranges," Carr added.

Commenting on the joining of forces, Exelis Information Systems president Mike Wilson said the IBL joint venture team is already supporting Air Force ranges and sites from coast-to-coast and around the world.

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The LISC contract focuses on programme management, range O&M, sustaining engineering, logistics support and management, range instrumentation systems operations and engineering.

The contract also includes hardware and software depot-level maintenance, downrange base operating support, and information assurance.

USAF’s Launch and Test Ranges not only provide the capability to deploy satellites but also serve as missile launch facilities wherein, both intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-based missile defence systems are tested and verified.

The space launch activities conducted at the ranges also enable interplanetary missions, accurate weather forecasts, and remote mobile and broadband communication.

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