MOD Awards BAE SYSTEMS 100m Harrier GR9 Contract
27 Jan 2004
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a contract known as Capability C2 worth about 100 million for the continuation of the 500m-plus Harrier GR9 sustainment and upgrade programme.
This builds on the continued success of the Harrier upgrade programme, which saw the delivery of the up-rated engine in November 2003.
The GR9 programme is providing the existing UK GR7 fleet with updated digital systems and enhanced operational capability. 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. The programme also includes 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 to BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) by the UK MoD Defence Logistics Organisation ES (Air) Harrier Integrated Product Team. The CS&S engineering design team is based at Farnborough, Hampshire, and the flight test and development trials team is based at Warton, Lancashire.
Under Capability C2 a number of systems will be integrated onto the GR9, linked by a new on-board computer. These include the Precision Guided Bomb (a contract for this was awarded to Raytheon in December 2003) and infra red & television variants of the Maverick missile. Also included is the Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) system, which will make the aircraft less vulnerable in an operational environment.
Kevin Taylor, group managing director of CS&Ss military air programmes, commented, This contract underlines the continuing importance of support and upgrade work for BAE Systems. By working ever more closely with our customer and partners, we are continuing to deliver the GR9 upgrade programme to time and cost.
Notes to editors:
The full GR9 programme began with a bridging contract signed on 19 April 2002. The two main elements are the upgrade engineering programme and the physical modification of the Harrier fleet. Modification of the Harrier fleet to the new specification is taking place through the HMP3 (Harrier Modification Programme). Proof installation by CS&S on three aircraft began in July 2003. Next steps are conversion of an initial batch of aircraft followed by the conversion of the remainder of the fleet and fitment of new rear fuselages on specific aircraft. Operational release to service is expected to be in 2006.
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.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
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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