Cirrus Design filed a lawsuit against L-3 Avionics Systems aimed at stopping the spread of scuttlebutt that Cirrus is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. L-3 Avionics sued Cirrus for $21.7 million last year after a deal for cockpit systems fell apart. Cirrus’ suit against L-3 alleges that the Grand Rapids, Mich. avionics maker has been warning other suppliers that Cirrus’ controlling shareholder and largest creditor, Arcapita, plans to seek bankruptcy protection for the Minnesota lightplane maker. “If suppliers stop their flow of inventory and goods to Cirrus based on the false statements made, Cirrus will be unable to meet its production requirements, will not be able to deliver aircraft to its customers, and will be forced to lay off hundreds of employees,”Cirrus said in its complaint.