With the collapse of the RAH-66 Comanche program, and rededication of its funding into the ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), the UH-145 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and other programs, the AH-64 Apache will remain the USA’s primary attack helicopter for several more decades. That status has been getting the US Apache fleet a lot of use during the war as the most common escort option for helicopters in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. The US fleet has now accumulated over 2 million flying hours, with over 25% of that logged since 2001. American allies are also using their AH-64 fleets to support coalition efforts on ground, and countries like Britain and the Netherlands can field the AH-64D “Longbow” version, with substantial improvements to its radar, targeting, electronics, and missile set.
Recent contracts include a $152 million order for war replacement AH-64D Longbow helicopters (probably about 8-10 machines) from the USA, plus a number of ongoing upgrades requested during October 2006. DID covers them all below.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $104.6 million firm-fixed-price, time and material contract for LAIRCM defensive systems to equip NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) fleet of NE-3A Sentry aircraft. The NE-3A fleet act as flying radar stations, directing aerial operations and providing an overall picture of activity in the air and on the sea. The contract also provides contract logistic support. Solicitations began September 2006, negotiations were complete November 2006, and work will be complete December 2009. At this time, $51.3 million have been obligated. The Headquarters 551st Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA issued the contract (FA8704-07-F-0001).
LAIRCM Concept
This Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program will defend aircraft against infrared missiles, and is comprised of 17 Group A kits, 7 Group B kits, 10 additional Group B kits without small laser transmitter assemblies, and supporting spares. The scope of the contract includes installation and checkout of the LAIRCM system in the first (trial aircraft, NL-1 at L-3 Com in Greenville, Texas) and second (kit proof aircraft, NL-2 at EADS in Manching, Germany). The LAIRCM System Group B line replaceable units are being procured as non-development item. Optional contract additions include enhanced built in test for sensor window heater, new electromagnetic emissions robust sensor design (if needed), flight test of sensor, and equipping to trainer cargo aircraft.
Small business qualifier Lean Quest, LLC in Huntington Beach, CA received a maximum $7.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for implementation of lean principles in Defense Distribution Centers within the USA and abroad. Proposals were Web-solicited and 16 responded. This is an indefinite delivery/quantity type contract whose date of performance completion is November 5, 2007. The contracting agency is the Defense Distribution Center (DDC) in New Cumberland, PA (SP3100-07-D-0001).
Small business qualifier I E Pacific, Inc. in San Diego, CA won a $12.5 million firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Special Operations Force (SOF) Military Operations on Urban Terrain Training (MOUT) Complex (Part A) at San Clemente Island. Work will be performed in San Diego, CA and is expected to be complete by November 2008.
This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with 2 proposals received by The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest in San Diego, CA (N62473-06-C-6006).
