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BAE SYSTEMS Awarded 150M Harrier Upgrade Contract

23 Jan 2003

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth over 150 million from the UK MOD for the continuation of the Harrier GR9 sustainment and upgrade programme.

The total value of the programme is expected to exceed 500m through a series of further incremental contracts anticipated over the next two years. The full GR9 upgrade will give the existing UK GR7 Harriers updated digital systems. Integration and clearance of digital weapons will allow the RAF to hit a wider range of targets harder, at longer range and with less risk to aircrew. This initial upgrade will introduce a baseline aircraft system capability that will allow the aircraft to carry and integrate smart weapons such as Brimstone and precision guided bombs, and support an enhanced integration of legacy weapons such as Maverick and Sidewinder AIM9L. The programme will also include an upgrade to the two-seater TMk10 training aircraft to TMk12, the equivalent of the GR9 standard. The systems and software upgrade contract was awarded by MOD's Defence Logistics Organisation to BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support business of which Military Air Solutions and Support (MASS) is the managing business unit. The engineering design team is based at Farnborough, Hampshire and the flight test and development trials team is based at Warton, Lancashire. Fleet embodiment (carrying out the aircraft modifications) will be subject to further contract awards. 'This contract sets in place a robust Harrier upgrade programme and underlines the continuing importance of support and upgrade work for BAE Systems,' said Kevin Taylor, managing director for MASS. 'This contract is very much core business to us, and it provides us with the potential to grow the business through the Future Integrated Support Team (FIST) activities that are currently being developed with the customer'.
Notes to editors:

FIST is a joint MOD/industry initiative to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of support to the Harrier fleet by the development of innovative support solutions.

BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support business signed a 30m bridging contract on 19 April 2002 to continue work on the Harrier GR9 programme while precise requirements were defined and contracted for with the MOD. This is included in the 150m figure.

The full GR9 programme will include the integration of High Order Language (Ada) software with a new open architecture mission computer, a MIL-STD 1760 Stores Management System, new inertial navigation/global positioning system, ground proximity warning system, upgraded displays and secure communications.

Modification of the Harrier fleet to the new specification will take place through HMP3 (Harrier Modification Programme). This will take place in three blocks, beginning with proof installation on early aircraft starting early/mid 2003, followed by conversion of an initial batch of aircraft that is scheduled to enter the programme in late 2003. The final stage will be conversion of the remainder of the fleet and fitment of new, probably composite, rear fuselages. Operational Release To Service is expected to be in 2006.

The MOD initiated a related 150m-plus engine upgrade in December 1999, contracting Rolls-Royce to remanufacture 40 Pegasus Mk 105 engines to the Mk107 standard. BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support business will supply modification kits to enable 40 aircraft to take the new engines. (The running fleet of operational aircraft is expected to be 30 aircraft.) The initial 20 aircraft with the more powerful engines will be designated GR7A and these will be completed by April 2004. The GR7As will be eventually fed through the GR9 programme to become GR9As. The balance will be completed through the GR9 programme.

Joint Force Harrier currently operates two aircraft types: the air defence Sea Harrier FA2 operated by the Royal Navy and the ground attack/ reconnaissance Harrier GR7 flown by the RAF. The UK MOD announced in February 2002 that Joint Force Harrier will move to an all-Harrier GR force by 2007 to maximise investment in one aircraft type, assist in streamlining support and prepare for deployment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Harrier GR squadrons will be operated by both the RN & RAF under the control of AOC 3 group.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

About Customer Solutions & Support:

Customer Solutions & Support employs over 12,000 people at 30 locations and provides through-life support and services across the air, sea and land sectors. It carries out upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft and naval vessels.

CS&S supports customers' capability in areas such as training; facilities management; spares and repairs; technical information services; manpower services; and supply chain and logistics management.

CS&S manages support and services programmes worldwide including a broad range of contracts in Australia and the key Saudi Arabian Al Yamamah programme. CS&S is also working closely with the UK Ministry Of Defence to reduce the cost of support and training without compromising front-line efficiency.

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