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The prime has secured a subcontract from Vertex Aerospace to provide long-term logistics support to the US Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier II fleet.
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Vertex Aerospace, which secured a $123 million sustainment contract from the US Navy in July 2020, has awarded a new logistics support subcontract to BAE Systems.
Specifically, BAE Systems has been tasked with delivering predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimisation tools to bolster the efficiency of maintenance operations for the US Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier II fleet.
Supported by a specialist team in the UK, BAE Systems is expected to work alongside Vertex Aerospace to support training and combat operations conducted from US Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and forward operating bases.
“The Harrier is one of the most iconic military aircraft ever created, with its British designed short take-off and vertical landing technology,” Tom Fillingham, BAE Systems’ senior vice president, US programs, said.
“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.
BAE Systems’ director of fight solutions Dave Nagy added, “We’re proud to support our customer’s mission through the AV-8B Harrier program. We are ensuring these aircraft maintain availability until the F-35 replaces the AV-8B.
“Working together with Vertex as a trusted partner on various US Marine Corps programs, we are demonstrating our capabilities in aircraft modernisation, countermeasure system upgrades, and integration activities.”
This latest contract builds on BAE Systems’ existing work to maintain the AV-8B Harrier’s reaction control system and provide ongoing engineering and technical support.
CEO and president of Vertex Aerospace John Boyington welcomed the extension of the firm’s partnership with BAE Systems.
“With a combined 100 plus years of aerospace and defence experience, we understand the challenges warfighters face and remain keenly committed to improving aircraft readiness while maximising efficiencies,” he said.
[Related: BAE Systems secures 10th USAF sustainment and obsolescence management contract]
