21st Mar 2007 12:51
Smiths Aerospace, part of the global technology business SmithsGroup, has been awarded a contract with a potential value of GBP 19million (US $38m) to provide performance-based logistics (PBL) insupport of electronic systems on Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)Hawk aircraft. The program includes a four-year contract worth GBP 4.5million (US $9m), with a series of five-year follow-on options worthGBP 15 million (US $29m), which would extend the contract until 2025.The initial work will take place at Smiths' Newcastle, Australialocation with extended support from facilities in Cheltenham, UK andFlorida USA. £ Catherine Gridley, President, Smiths Aerospace Customer Servicescommented, "PBL is an approach that specifies roles andresponsibilities necessary to ensure there is a clear allocation ofaccountability for total system performance. We continue to grow oursupport for military and civil aircraft with customized services tomaximize the aircraft's availability." £ The new contract represents a conversion from previous traditionalsupport arrangements to the more progressive PBL framework. Thecontract includes the existing 33 RAAF Hawk aircraft in-service andwill be a follow-on agreement from the current contract that expireson 31st March 2007. Smiths Aerospace has the following systems on theRAAF Hawk aircraft that will be covered by the support contract: £ -- Multi-Function Display (MFD) £ -- Stores Management System (SMS) £ -- Mission Computer (MC) £ -- Pilot Display Unit (PDC) £ The RAAF Hawk 127 is primarily used for initial or lead-in fightertraining to prepare aircrew for operational conversion to the F/A-18Hornet fighter or F-111 strike aircraft. It is operated by No 76Squadron at RAAF Base Williamstown, near Newcastle, and No 79 Squadronat RAAF Base Pearce, near Perth. The Hawk 127 is a low-wing all-metalaircraft, fitted with an integrated navigation and attack system, andpowered by a single Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine. £ Smiths Group is a global technology company, listed on the LondonStock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practicalapplication of advanced technologies. Its products and services makethe world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has fourdivisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. Itemploys 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50countries. On 15 January 2007 Smiths Group announced the sale ofSmiths Aerospace to General Electric Company (GE), which remainssubject to regulatory approvals. For more information visitwww.smiths.com £ Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems andequipment business, with more than 11,500 employees and $2.4 billionrevenues globally. The business holds key positions in the supplychains of all major military and civil aircraft and enginemanufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power,mechanical systems, engine components and customer services. Forfurther information visit www.smiths-aerospace.com Copyright Business Wire 2007Related Shares:
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