Guyana has signed an agreement to acquire a Harbin Aircraft Y-12 turboprop for $2.12 million. The aircraft will bolster Guyana's Defence Force Air Corps capability to patrol the country's exclusive economic zone. Vought has been selected by Northrop Grumman to build the wing for the RQ-4A Global Hawk large unmanned aerial vehicle. The low rate initial production contract is for two wings and options on another four. Boeing has received a $24 million long-lead contract to protect the schedule for modernisation of NATO's 17 E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and ControlSystem aircraft. A production contract is expected to be awarded next year for the retrofit, which includes a new mission computing system, flat-panel operator displays, digital communications and improved identification friend or foe. Rolls-Royce is to provide additional Gem 42 engines and spares for the Brazilian navy's 14 AgustaWestland Lynx helicopters under a contract worth $10 million. Raytheon has received a $9.7 million US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contract to continue work on the Airborne Communications Node (ACN) programme to develop a scaleable signals-intelligence payload which can be deployed on multiple platforms, including unmanned air vehicles. Laboratory demonstrations are planned for next year. BAE Systems has received a $9 million award for the same programme. The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control a $165 million low rate initial contract for 19 Army TACM Block II missiles, which are designed to deploy the Northrop Grumman BAT anti-tank submunitions. The missiles are set for delivery by late 2003. Telephonics has been awarded a $3.8 million contract by Boeing to deliver Amplifier Control Intercommunication (ACI) units for the Canadian Forces' CF-18 upgrade. Telephonics will supply ACIs for 80 aircraft plus spares. ACI provides secure communications.
Source: Flight International
