Menu
05/08/2004
US contractor awarded £650m RAF contract
A US contractor has been awarded a £650 million repair contract for the UK's fleet of seven airborne early warning and control aircraft, it has been announced today.
Subject to final contract award, Northrop Grumman is positioned to undertake contractual maintenance and repair of the Sentry fleet, and ensure that the aircraft's operational availability is increased.
Under Northrop Grumman's bid for the contract, major aspects of the support programme would be subcontracted to British companies, BAE Systems and FR Aviation, together with AAR Corporation.
The Sentry aircraft gives "vital strategic support" to the armed forces in theatres of operation around the world. Under the upcoming Sentry future support programme, the costs of supporting Sentry will be reduced by 10% over 20 years and more aircraft will be ready to fly, more of the time, the MoD said.
Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach said: "Today's announcement is an important milestone on the road to a vital contract award. Sentry is an outstanding aircraft and improving the way it is supported and maintained in future will enable us to maximise its activity in theatre and increase its availability for operations."
Sentry E-3D is one of the UK's principal Integrated Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) assets. The RAF operates seven Boeing 707-based Sentry aircraft at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) role. Since its introduction into service in 1992, the aircraft has been used in every major UK operation, seeing extensive use in campaigns in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
As part of the Sentry Future Support programme, the successful contractor will establish an integrated facility at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to conduct aircraft scheduled maintenance, spares delivery and design authority services.
Subject to final negotiations, MoD expects to award the contract in early 2005.
(gmcg)
Subject to final contract award, Northrop Grumman is positioned to undertake contractual maintenance and repair of the Sentry fleet, and ensure that the aircraft's operational availability is increased.
Under Northrop Grumman's bid for the contract, major aspects of the support programme would be subcontracted to British companies, BAE Systems and FR Aviation, together with AAR Corporation.
The Sentry aircraft gives "vital strategic support" to the armed forces in theatres of operation around the world. Under the upcoming Sentry future support programme, the costs of supporting Sentry will be reduced by 10% over 20 years and more aircraft will be ready to fly, more of the time, the MoD said.
Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach said: "Today's announcement is an important milestone on the road to a vital contract award. Sentry is an outstanding aircraft and improving the way it is supported and maintained in future will enable us to maximise its activity in theatre and increase its availability for operations."
Sentry E-3D is one of the UK's principal Integrated Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) assets. The RAF operates seven Boeing 707-based Sentry aircraft at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) role. Since its introduction into service in 1992, the aircraft has been used in every major UK operation, seeing extensive use in campaigns in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
As part of the Sentry Future Support programme, the successful contractor will establish an integrated facility at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to conduct aircraft scheduled maintenance, spares delivery and design authority services.
Subject to final negotiations, MoD expects to award the contract in early 2005.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 February 2010
Aircraft Maker Signs Contractors
Contracts have been awarded to two GB companies for work on Northern Ireland-based Bombardier's CSeries commercial aircraft programme. Representing a major investment by the Belfast aircraft engineering firm, the deal with GKN Aerospace will see it supplying the winglet for the CSeries aircraft from its composites centre on the Isle of Wight.
Aircraft Maker Signs Contractors
Contracts have been awarded to two GB companies for work on Northern Ireland-based Bombardier's CSeries commercial aircraft programme. Representing a major investment by the Belfast aircraft engineering firm, the deal with GKN Aerospace will see it supplying the winglet for the CSeries aircraft from its composites centre on the Isle of Wight.
17 October 2014
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
07 October 2014
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
22 August 2013
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
04 November 2010
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
