$44.8M to Protect C-130s from Terrorists

LAIRCM

The Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH has issued a pair of contracts to Northrop Grumman worth $44.8 million, in order to improve C-130H Hercules protection against infrared threats like shoulder-fired missiles. These missiles have been used in attacks on allied aircraft in Iraq. The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system includes detectors and crew warning systems, and automatically uses a modulated laser beam to jam incoming threats without crew intervention. The contracted work will be complete June 2006.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $16.8 million contract modification (F33657-01-C-2093/P00085) to provide associated LAIRCM hardware and system support including spares, support equipment, technical data, training, interim contractor support and over and above repairs during aircraft modification and installation. In addition, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. Electronic Systems’ Defensive Systems Division in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $28 million undefinitized contract modification (F33657-01-C-2093/P00072) to provide for FY 2005 modification of 12 C-130H aircraft to accept the LAIRCM system. The contractor also will provide aircraft hardware, spares, technical data, training, support and over and above aircraft repairs during installation. See also Military Aerospace Technology: Protecting the Big Birds.

$20M for Space Command Research

Shafer Corp. in Chelmsford, MA is being awarded a $20 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to develop “innovative space situational awareness, space control and related space technology.” The Air Force can issue delivery orders totaling up to the maximum amount indicated above, though the actual contract value may be lower. Solicitation began December 2003, negotiations were complete March 2005, and work is expected to be complete by March 2008. The Air Force Research Laboratory in Kirtland Air Force base, NM issued the contract (FA9453-05-D-0176).

Turkey May Buy Eurofighters

Eurofighter

Turkey has expressed interest in buying Eurofighters to meet the Turkish Air Force’s increasing need for fighter jets until deliveries of the U.S.-led Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program actually begin. Turkey joined the F-35 JSF program in July 2002 and has expressed interest in up to 100 planes, but the F-35’s delivery to the Turkish Air Force isn’t scheduled until about 2015. In contrast, the Eurofighter is currently in production. More than 200 F-16 aircraft make up the backbone of Turkey’s current fighter fleet. A team of Turkish Air Force pilots, led by a colonel, test flew three Eurofighter jets in Italy on Feb. 22. They also test flew a C27J transport aircraft.

$45.2M for More RAM Defensive Missiles

RIM-116 RAM Launch

Raytheon Co., Tucson, AZ received a $45.2M firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5456) for production of more RAM missiles and associated equipment. The RIM-116 RAM is a joint venture between the U.S. and German governments, designed as an all-weather, high-firepower, low-cost, self-defense system against anti-ship cruise missiles and other asymmetric threats. It is currently installed, or planned for installation, on 78 U.S. Navy and 30 German Navy ships.

This specific modification covers:

IBM Receives $9.3M to Continue Work on DSAMS

International Business Machines (IBM) in Fairfax, VA is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract of $9.3 million for a base year and one option year to continue IT and project management services for the Defense Security Assistance Management System (DSAMS). Performance completion date is February 28, 2006. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency issued the contract.

$29.6M More to Support Foreign SM-2 Missile Customers

SM-2 Launch

Raytheon Co. in Tucson, AZ received a $29.6 cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5330) to provide engineering and technical services in support of the Standard Missile-2 Guided Missile Program for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The SM-2 is the standard air defense missile on the USA’s AEGIS-equipped warships, and a variant called the SM-3 is being tested as part of U.S. missile defense plans. This modification satisfies the requirements of the following FMS customers: Germany (16.5%); Japan (16.67%); Korea (16.67%); the Netherlands (16.67%); Spain (16.67%); and Canada (16.67%). Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ and is expected to be completed by December 2005. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, issued the contract modification.

One More Fuel Contract

Small business qualifier Western Petroleum Co. of Eden Prairie, MN received a maximum $31.7 million fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for JP-8 jet fuel. Contract performance will be completed in Bucksport, Maine. Like the $1.4 billion in fuel contracts mentioned yesterday, this is a 12-month delivery period contract with a 30-day carryover period that expires at the end of fiscal year 2006 on April 30, 2006. Thirty-two proposals were submitted with 22 responses. The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) in Fort Belvoir, VA issued this contract (SP0600-05-D-0487).