BAE Systems to maintain US Navy trainer aircraft

BAE Systems will maintain and service trainer aircraft in the US Navy’s inventory following the selection of the company for a $400 million, five year contract. The contract covers scheduled inspections, along with required repairs, modifications and logistical support, for more than 300 aircraft operated by the Chief of Naval Air Training, including T-34, T-44 and T-6 trainer aircraft.

The contract was awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. The aircraft variants involved are the single-engine T-34, the twin-engine T-44A and T-44C, and the single-engine T-6A and T-6B. The contract includes an initial base term plus multiple options. The period of performance will be five years if all options are exercised, and work will be conducted at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas, at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida and at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, also in Florida.

Dave Herr, president of BAE Systems Support Solutions, said: ‘We continue to execute on our strategy to grow our services footprint within BAE Systems. This win strengthens our position in the aviation services market and creates opportunities for additional organic growth.’

Gordon Eldridge, vice president and general manager of Aerospace Solutions at BAE Systems, added: ‘This is a major win for our team, significantly expanding our support to the US Navy for trainer aircraft. We’re excited to have this opportunity to serve NAVAIR and the Chief of Naval Air Training, and we look forward to serving the warfighters who fly and train in these aircraft.’

The winning BAE Systems team includes support subcontractors Elbit Systems of America’s subsidiary M7 Aerospace, PKL Services, Hawker Beechcraft, StandardAero, and Sensenich Propeller Service.