It hasd been reported that L-3 Communications and Thales' joint venture was selected to join Boeing's team developing an aerial refueling tanker proposal for the U. S. Air Force.

Defense companies L-3 and Thales say their Aviation Communication and Surveillance Systems joint venture will support the Boeing aerial refueling tankers bid with its Traffic Management Computer technologies.

ACSS President Kris Ganase said in a statement, "We take enormous pride in manufacturing avionics systems that will ensure safety and efficiency in every aircraft flown by our courageous warfighters."

It will also provide the aerial refueling tankers proposal with its Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe transponder solution, ACSS, which has also worked with Boeing on the company's 767 Global Tanker Transport Aircraft and P-8 Multi-Mission Aircraft programs, has said.

It was also reported that the technologies provided by ACSS for the Air Force proposal are part of an effort by Boeing to strengthen situation awareness capabilities for the next-generation tanker. (With Inputs from Agencies)