Boeing

The U.S. Special Operations Command has awarded Boeing a $50 million contract to develop and produce Engine Infrared Suppression Systems, or EIRS, for its C-130 aircraft.

The work will be performed by Boeing Military Aerospace Support in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and by two main subcontractors: Allison Advance Development Company, Indianapolis, Ind., and Crestview Aerospace Corporation, Crestview, Fla. Installation of the EIRS systems will by done by Boeing field teams at Special Operations Command C-130 bases around the world.

"This contract furthers our considerable experience in modifying the C-130 airframe, in particular the highly specialized Special Operations versions, and enhances our position in capturing additional business related to this aircraft," said David Spong, president of Military Aerospace Support.

Under the Integrated Weapons System Support Program awarded in 1998, Boeing performs fast-response modifications and logistics support for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command fleet of C-130 aircraft, including the Boeing-developed AC-130U gunship, one of the most sophisticated systems integration and modification efforts ever performed on the Hercules. The company also has performed numerous other C-130 modernization initiatives, including the tanker/rescue modification program and sensor installation for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Boeing Military Aerospace Support also is competing for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, through which about 500 Air Force Hercules aircraft will receive modern, common cockpit systems.

By focusing its modernization and upgrades capabilities; maintenance and modification centers; training services; logistics personnel services; and sustainment data and supply chain management support competencies in the Military Aerospace

Support business, Boeing is the only major airframe manufacturer with an integrated organization structured to provide total life-cycle customer support for military aircraft and weapons systems.

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