Textron to continue Afghan Trainer CLS work

Textron Systems Support Solutions will continue providing Afghan Trainer Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) under a contract from the US Air Force announced on 7 February.

The follow-on contract will run for five years, with a first year value of $9.35 million, and an estimated potential five-year maximum of $50 million.

The Afghan Trainer CLS contract will see the company continue to provide training and maintenance in support of US Air Force and Afghan Air Force Cessna C-208B Caravans, which are being used for military transport and training.

Over the duration of this contract, Textron Systems will transfer capabilities and offer maintenance training to the Afghan Air Force to allow them to work independently. Work has already begun at Kabul Air Base and Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.

Mark Hitch, Support Solutions vice president of business development, said: 'Support Solutions began working with these Cessna C-208B Caravans last year as part of a bridge contact – and we are looking forward to continuing the relationship with our customer through this five-year contract.

'This endeavour will ensure that Textron personnel are the sole providers of maintenance and training on our own aircraft. This work will further showcase the total Textron solution we can provide around the world.'