BAESystems wins maintenance supportcontract for Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter

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BAE Systems wins maintenance support contract for Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter
AUSTRALIA - 19 DECEMBER 2009

Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, announced today the award of a contract to BAE Systems to support the Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters for the remainder of their service.

“The Black Hawk is a critical asset supporting Australian soldiers. This new contract ensures the continued employment of nearly 100 local maintenance technicians and support personnel in Townsville,” said Mr Combet.

“The contract a three year contract worth approximately $35 million and has five one year options. It will ensure the viability of the Black Hawk in a cost effective way until the end of its service life.

“This new contract offers increased value for money and a more balanced approach to risk when compared to the previous arrangements. This is in line with the principles that have been outlined in the Government’s Strategic Reform Program for Defence.

“The contract was sourced through a competitive open tender process and will provide for deeper maintenance services for the Black Hawk in Townsville.

“The Black Hawk helicopter has been operated by the Australian Army since 1986 seeing service in numerous theatres and humanitarian efforts. The Black Hawk will remain the primary troop lift capability for the Army until it is replaced by MRH 90 and then withdrawn from service.

“I take the opportunity to thank the Townsville community for their support of Black Hawk and Defence over many years and I look forward to seeing the results of the improved contract. “I was privileged to have opened BAE’s new aircraft maintenance centre in Townsville earlier this year. This new facility will play a critical role in the fulfilment of this new contract.”

Source: Australian Department of Defence


File Photo of an Australian Army Black Hawk Helicopter

 

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Seahawk Contract Awarded to BAE Systems
AUSTRALIA - 18 DECEMBER 2009

Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, announced today the award of an In Service Support contract for the Royal Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter fleet to BAE Systems Australia Ltd.

“This new contract will support 130 jobs in new expanded facilities located at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra, as well as a number of positions in industry at Nowra, Melbourne and Amberley,” Mr Combet said.

“The contract will also see the construction of a new aviation support facility at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra and enables in service support services for the Navy’s fleet of 16 Seahawks to be maintained until they are withdrawn from service.

“The new contract commencing in April 2010 is worth approximately $208 million dollars over the initial term of seven years, and has extension options available. It will provide engineering, maintenance, and some supply services to the Navy.”

The Navy Seahawk fleet is based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW.

“I take the opportunity to thank the Shoalhaven community for their support of Seahawk and Defence over many years and I look forward to seeing the results of the improved contract into the future,” Mr Combet said.


Source: Australian Department of Defence


File Photo: Some Royal Australian Navy Sea Seahawk Helicopters