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The MOD And BAE SYSTEMS Sign 82M Tornado Contract

03 Dec 2003

The Defence Logistics Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and BAE Systems have announced the award of a cockpit upgrade contract worth some 82 million for the MOD's fleet of Tornado GR4 aircraft.

The contract will replace 1970s wet film and display processing technologies with a new pilot multi-functional display (PMFD) integrated with a new radar and navigator's map processor known as the Tornado Advanced Radar Display and Information System (TARDIS). TARDIS is supplied by BAE Systems Platform Solutions Sector, and the PMFD by Astronautics.

The proposed design incorporates the latest display and map-generation technology and includes future growth expansion capabilities. The display systems are vital to operations and provide the prime navigational and attack displays used throughout a sortie.

As prime contractor and design authority BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) will begin fitting the equipment in July 2004 to meet an In Service Date of August 2006.

Air Commodore Nigel Bairsto, Tornado Integrated Project Team Leader, DLO Equipment Support (Air) said, "This contract represents an excellent deal for the Armed Forces and the taxpayer. The avionics upgrade will ensure the Tornado GR4 can meet any future operational requirements. This contract award is a good example of some of the excellent work that is being done by the DLO in partnership with industry and is part of ongoing work to ensure Tornado continues to evolve and remain the RAF's weapon of choice."

Mark Greenhalgh, CS&S Director Strike Operations, said, "This capability improvement builds on the major GR4 upgrade programme which delivered the last of 142 aircraft on time and to cost in June 2003. We will fit the TARDIS equipment at RAF stations during routine maintenance to minimise disruption, cost and downtime for the GR4 fleet."

Notes to editors:

1. The Tornado GR4 is a multi-role, variable-geometry interdictor aircraft optimised for low-level penetration of enemy airspace for precision attacks against high-value targets. The GR4 has fly-by-wire flight controls with mechanical back up, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce RB199 afterburning turbofan engines, giving the aircraft a low-level high subsonic cruise capability. The GR4 can operate in all weather conditions, using Terrain Following Radar (TFR) and Ground Mapping Radar (GMR) to guide the aircraft and identify the target.

2. Equipment Support (Air) is part of the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), which was formed as part of the Strategic Defence Review in April 2000.

3. Equipment Support (Air) aims to provide logistics support to all three Armed Services: RAF, Royal Navy and Army supporting over 1,000 aircraft in some 30 fleets. Equipment Support (Air) employs around 4,500 people across the UK and overseas.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.

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.

BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.