Boeing

Boeing Announces Supplier Agreement with BAE Systems for Combat Search and Rescue Program

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has announced an agreement with BAE Systems, Johnson City, N.Y., to support the proposed HH-47 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter program for the U.S. Air Force.

"The supplier network supporting the HH-47 proposal reduces risk and contributes to our best value solution," said Rick Lemaster, Boeing HH-47 program manager. "BAE Systems has more than 30 years experience in developing high-quality, flight-critical control systems, making them an ideal partner on the HH-47 program."

CSAR-X is a U.S. Air Force initiative to procure more capable and survivable aircraft able to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory. The tandem rotor, heavy lift, high altitude HH-47 is based on the CH/MH-47 Chinook tandem rotor transport helicopter, with performance capabilities that have been widely demonstrated in the ongoing war on terrorism and in numerous U.S. and international humanitarian relief operations.

The BAE Systems Digital Advanced Flight Control System slated for the HH-47 was initially developed to replace a legacy flight control system on CH-47D helicopters, now being upgraded to the F-model standard under a U.S. Army contract. The system's digital design provides significantly greater reliability, maintainability and flexibility to the Chinook compared to the previous analog control system. It also incorporates a built-in diagnostic system for detecting and analyzing potential system failures and faults.

BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded $28 billion in 2005.

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 $30.8 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; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; 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.
###
For further information:
Joseph LaMarca, Jr.
Boeing Rotorcraft Communications
office: 321- 604-6696
joseph.lamarca@boeing.com
Tom Marinucci
Boeing Rotorcraft Communications
office: 610- 591-7057
thomas.g.marinucci@boeing.com