The Swedish defence materiel administration has awarded Flight Refuelling (FRL) a contract to provide multi-missile launchers (MMLs) for Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters. MMLs are based on the Common Rail Launcher in service with the BAE Systems Sea Harriers and Harrier GR7s. CPI Aerostructures is to build inlet assemblies for the Northrop T-38 propulsion modernisation programme under a US Air Force contract potentially worth $61 million over 10 years. Aerospace, Monitoring and Systems (AMS) is to develop the vehicle management module for the Thales Avionics-developed Agusta A109-LUH helicopter avionics suite. The company is to deliver 10 prototypes by 2002 and 40 production units by 2004 as part of an offset deal agreed in April last year by Agusta and the South African defence ministry. General Electric Aircraft Engines has been awarded a $400 million US Department of Defense contract for 78 F414-400s and spares for the Boeing F/A-18E/F. Raytheon has been awarded an additional $10 million by the US Navy for the development of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)/Enhanced Communication Capability. CEC integrates sensor data into a single picture for ships and aircraft allowing direct and remote missile engagements. Orbital Sciences is to provide data transport equipment components for Lockheed Martin F-16s and Fairchild A-10s in a $5.8 million US Department of Defense contract, which includes 213 80MB data transfer cartridges and 103 upgraded data transfer units. Boeing has received a $251.9 million contract from the USN to provide logistics support for the F/A-18E/F. Options could take the contract value to $770 million. Boeing has also received a $33.6 million USN contract to remanufacture two additional AV-8B Harriers to AV-8B Plus standard. Sikorsky has received a $47.5 million US DoD contract modification to convert fiveUH-60L Black Hawks to the HH-60L configuration on the production line.
Source: Flight International
