Vertex Aerospace has selected BAE Systems as a subcontractor to support the maintenance works of the US Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier II fleet.
The move comes nearly six months after the US Department of the Navy selected Vertex Aerospace for a $123m contracted maintenance, modification, aircrew, and related services (CMMARS) task order for the aircraft fleet.
The scope of works includes aircraft maintenance and contractor logistics support (CLS) services.
As a subcontractor for the new logistics support contract, BAE Systems will leverage predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimisation tools to improve the efficiency of maintenance operations.
Additionally, the two companies will work to support crucial training and combat operations undertaken from US Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and forward operating bases.
As agreed, BAE Systems’ engineers will work with Vertex, the US Marine Corps at stations in Cherry Point in North Carolina, Yuma in Arizona, and Madison in Mississippi. A specialist team based in the UK will support the programme.
BAE Systems Air US Programs senior vice-president Tom Fillingham said: “The Harrier is one of the most iconic military aircraft ever created, with its British designed short take-off and vertical landing technology.
“Our expertise with the aircraft goes back 40 years and this new contract with Vertex Aerospace ensures we can continue to apply our expertise to support the US Marine Corps in their crucial operations.”
The latest contract comes days after BAE Systems was selected by the US Navy to demonstrate a new radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM) system for the next-generation P-8A Poseidon military aircraft.
