WASHINGTON
Air Force contracts for radar production
The Air Force has contracted Northrop Grumman Corp. to support the radar-modernization program for the B-2 stealth bomber.
Northrop Grumman says its California-based Integrated System unit was awarded the radar-production contract.
Under the approximately $468 million modernization deal, Northrop Grumman will supply the B-2 bomber fleet at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri with next-generation radar technologies, the Air Force reported.
Northrop Grumman, which designed the B-2 bomber in the 1980s and 1990s, was awarded the contract to ensure sustained operational viability of the B-2 bomber fleet well into the foreseeable future, officials said.
TEXAS
BAE to help sustain MRAPs in Iraq
HOUSTON | The Army has contracted BAE Systems PLC for Caiman mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle replacement parts and supplies.
British company BAE was awarded six contracts from the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command to support MRAP vehicles operating in the Iraq combat theater. Under the $115 million in contracts, BAE will supply replacement parts to maintain as many as 1,650 of the company’s Caiman MRAP vehicles.
Officials say the replacement parts include engines, transmissions and axles, among other parts, because of wear associated with the ongoing mission to stabilize Iraq.
“The Army’s request for sustainment spare parts helps maintain the assets needed to keep vehicles in the fight and meet theater demand,” said Chris Chambers, BAE Systems vice president of medium/heavy vehicles.
WISCONSIN
Oshkosh to provide replacement parts
OSHKOSH | The Defense Department has awarded a follow-on contract to Oshkosh Corp. for the continued supply of tactical-vehicle replacement parts.
Wisconsin-based Oshkosh was awarded the contract from the Defense Department’s Defense Logistics Agency. Under the follow-on contract, with options for 10 years and a value of up to $1.12 billion, Oshkosh will supply replacement parts to support the life cycle of its medium and heavy tactical vehicles operated by the U.S. military.
Officials say the contract includes parts for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck and Palletized Load System, among others.
“We are proud to support those vehicles with our top-of-the-line aftermarket parts and services,” said Robert Bohn, Oshkosh chairman and chief executive officer.
CALIFORNIA
Parsons to support Corps of Engineers
PASADENA | The Army Corps of Engineers has contracted Parsons Corp. to support master-planning services at U.S. military installations.
California-based Parsons was awarded a follow-on contract to remain assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District.
Under the five-year deal, Parsons will continue to support the development of master plans and help develop and implement geographical information systems for Army installations, among other tasks and assessment requirements.
“Parsons is honored to have been selected by the Corps of Engineers to provide planning services that will improve and extend the usefulness of installations serving our armed forces,” said Tom Roell, Parsons Group president.
“Over the past five years, Parsons has continued to prove its strength in this field as a result of more than 400 planning assignments that have allowed our Department of Defense customers to effectively meet their mission requirements,” he said.
MISSOURI
MRI to develop test mannequin
KANSAS CITY | The Army has contracted Midwest Research Institute (MRI) to develop a mannequin system for chemical exposure testing.
MRI was awarded $26.3 million to design an Individual Protection Ensemble Mannequin System for the Army.
Officials say MRI will be expected to develop the self-balancing robot mannequin that simulates the human body in order to realistically test equipment designed to protect soldiers from chemical exposure.
“MRI has more than 40 years of experience in providing the U.S. Department of Defense with cutting-edge research, development, testing and evaluation in the areas of personal and collective protection, chemical and biological detection and decontamination,” said Michael Helmstetter, MRI senior vice president and director of research operations.
CONNECTICUT
Air Force awards F-22 engine deal
EAST HARTFORD | The Air Force has contracted Pratt & Whitney to purchase additional engine parts to support the F-22 Raptor fighter.
Pratt & Whitney, based in Connecticut, was awarded a follow-on contract to purchase the long-lead material for the production of eight of its F119 engines. The Lockheed Martin-built F-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s air superiority multimission fighter, is powered by two of Pratt & Whitney’s F119 engines.
Officials say the $7 million contract includes options for the materials for an additional 39 engines.
“This is a significant contract that reaffirms the U.S. Air Force‘s commitment to the F-22 Raptor and the F119 engine,” said Tyler Evans, Pratt & Whitney F119 program director.
VIRGINIA
Coast Guard picks up option for HC-130Js
The Coast Guard has exercised a contract option with Lockheed Martin for the installation of next-generation mission systems on HC-130J aircraft.
Lockheed Martin will install mission equipment and sensor technologies on two of the Coast Guard’s long-range HC-130J aircraft under a deal worth $13.25 million.
Lockheed Martin says the mission equipment improves aircraft fuel efficiency, endurance and mission-critical communication capabilities, among other advances for homeland security and maritime search and rescue operations.
“The mission equipment makes the Coast Guard’s HC-130J an incredibly versatile aircraft, critical to meeting today’s increased mission requirements,” said Mike Fralen, Lockheed Martin deep-water aviation lead.
When the contract is completed, the Coast Guard will have a fleet of six HC-130J aircraft equipped with the next-generation technologies.
• Compiled by Steven Davy of United Press International
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