Boeing to Modernize Avionics for Sweden's C-130s
Swedish Air Force has become the first international customer for the Boeing (NYSE:BA) C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, signing a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to modernize its fleet of eight C-130E/H aircraft.
The LOA will lead to a foreign military sales contract between Boeing and the U.S. Air Force. The contract, the largest ever administered by the U.S. Air Force for the Swedish Government, is expected to be completed early this summer. The first aircraft is anticipated to enter modification in 2007, with the last modified aircraft being delivered to Sweden in 2009. Current plans call for modifications to be done at the Boeing Aerospace Support Center in San Antonio, Texas.
"Sweden 's decision to join the C-130 AMP team is an important milestone for the program," said Pat Finneran, vice president and general manager of Aerospace Support, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "The Swedes were the first C-130 operators in Europe and are now the first international C-130 AMP customer. Swedish Air Force crews will have the most capable C-130 aircraft available and will benefit from advanced cockpit technology and commonality with the U.S. Air Force. The program also will lower Sweden 's total ownership costs for its C-130 fleet."
Building on Boeing's performance on the U.S. Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, this initiative will standardize aircraft configurations within the Swedish Air Force through the installation of a fully integrated, reliable digital glass cockpit with heads-up displays.
"The U.S. Air Force C-130 AMP program is performing to plan," said Dave Koopersmith, Boeing AMP Program Manager. "We accepted delivery of the first U.S. Air Force aircraft for installation in January and we're on track for first flight in early 2006."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
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