Rotorcraft Report: Contracts

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command awarded Sikorsky Aircraft an $18.8 million modification to a previously awarded firm, fixed-price contract for production sustaining support for the MH-60R, including project management, engineering, and logistics. Work will be done in Stratford, Conn. and is expected to be complete by December.

FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, Ore., has been awarded a $9.4 million, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm, fixed-price contract by the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Command for production of and repairs and spare parts for AN/AAQ-22Xs, which provide reconnaissance video day/night and laser-targeting capabilities on the U.S. Marine Corps Bell Helicopter UH-1. Work is to be completed by June 2010.

Symetrics Industries, Melbourne, Fla. was awarded an estimated $2 million contract from AgustaWestland for 70 Improved Data Modem systems to be installed on British Army and Royal Navy helicopters as part of the Future Lynx program. The first Future Lynx is to make its maiden flight in 2009, with initial deliveries in 2011. It is anticipated that Symetrics will support the program for the next 30 years.

Global Services, British Columbia, Canada, has been awarded a contract to perform maintenance support on Canadian Forces Bell Helicopter CH-146 Griffons. The selection was made in support of Operation Starfish, the primary search and rescue operation within the region.

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command awarded Goodrich Fuel and Utility Systems, Vergennes, Vt., a $17 million modification of a contract for 56 Sikorsky Aircraft CH-53 Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics and Health Usage Monitoring System units. Work will be done in Vergennes and is to be completed by September 2008.

Ducommun Aerostructures won a $21 million, follow-up contract for the fabrication and delivery of advanced composite main rotor blades for the Sikorsky Aircraft S-61. The contract begins in 2008. Composite blades are sold by Carson Helicopter Services as part of an upgraded package to provide additional payload, speed and range at the same fuel capacity. Work will be performed at Ducommun’s Monrovia, Calif. plant.

Bell Helicopter has been awarded a $12.5 million modification to a previously awarded, fixed-price contract from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Patauxent River, Md. for the procurement of phases two and three of the Composite Maintenance Trainers, including two UH-1Y trainers and two AH-1Z trainers. The trainers will be based at Camp Pendelton, Calif. and used to train personnel on the repair and maintenance of the upgraded aircraft. Work is to be performed in Hurst, Texas and completed by August 2012.