In August of 2005 the Australian government approved the initial design & development funds for an A$ 2 billion Large Amphibious Ships project. The goal is to provide the Royal Australian Navy with two new Canberra Class multi-purpose ships that could serve as an amphibious operations nerve center, playing transport, command centre, humanitarian aid and even limited air support roles. These LHD type ships will replace the Navy’s two existing Kanimbla Class LPAs (HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Manoora), significantly upgrading Australia’s force projection capabilities.
Australia’s government has now announced the release of Requests for Tender, as well as additional details regarding the envisioned ships and timelines.
Boeing has reached a deal to acquire Aviall Inc. for $48 per share or $1.7 billion, plus the assumption of approximately $350 million of debt. Aviall is the largest independent provider of new aviation parts and services in the aerospace industry, with capabilities that include global parts distribution and supply chain services for aerospace, defense and marine industries worldwide. Aviall’s 2005 revenue was $1.3 billion, with more than 25% growth expected in 2006, and Boeing sees a $25 billion industry for new aviation parts and services.
Aviall will report to Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, which offers Integrated Materials Management (IMM) services to airline customers, and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary. As DID’s analysis of BAE’s Airbus share sale noted, those kinds of capabilities are increasingly important in the military sphere as well. See the Boeing and Aviall releases for further details.
DRS Surveillance Support Systems, Inc. in Largo, FL received a $6.5 million firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-4003) to exercise an option for production of 11 AN/SPS-67 V(5) back-fit kits. The V(5) back-fit kits will provide DDG-51 class ships with increased surface watch, air surveillance, and navigation capabilities using updated, commercial-off-the-shelf radar technology. They enhance the existing AN/SPS-67(V)3 Radar Systems installed (see Flash) on DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers, which provides priority targets designation to BAE Systems’ Mk 45 5-inch gun and supports the SPY-1 AEGIS radar.
Work will be performed in Largo, FL and is expected to be complete by June 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C issued the contract.
