Boeing Wins $39M for Phase 2 Upgrade of 80 CF-18 Fighters
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Canada’s Department of National Defense awarded Boeing a C$ 39 million contract for installation of the second and final phase the CF-18 Modernization Project. The upgrade will add a Link 16 system, a helmet-mounted sight system, new cockpit displays and a new flare-dispensing electronic warfare system to 78 CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. Two additional aircraft will be modified for the essential validation and verification of the planned upgrade, bringing the total to 80.
The goal of the eight-year, two-phased project which began in April 2001, is to bring the Canadian Air Force fleet of CF-18 Hornets into full interoperability with the equipment of key allies and extend the life of the aircraft through 2017. See “The CF18 Incremental Modernization Program – In Detail” from Canadian defense think tank CASR for more information.
Boeing Logistics Support Systems is currently delivering Phase 1 of the program on time and on budget. That phase equipped the CF-18s with improved communication and navigation capabilities, including new mission computers and radios for communications purposes, an APG-73 radar system that is compatible with NATO-ally air forces, a stores management system for weapon-system and associated-equipment control, and an up-to-date IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogator/transponder system. Read corporate release.
Boeing’s subcontractor for installation of these systems is L-3 MAS (Canada) Inc. in Mirabel, Quebec. Boeing provides program management services, installation kits and color displays. Indeed, on February 1, 2006 L-3 issued a release announcing that its Canadian L-3 MAS subsidiary has been awarded a CDN $39 million (US $34 million) contract by Boeing… the upgrade contract’s entire value.
Boeing Canada was mentioned in Canada’s industrial National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework. The firm contributes approximately $1 billion Canadian annually to the Canadian economy and directly employs more than 1,000 Canadians.
