Boeing

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing [NYSE:BA] a $31.2 million contract modification to upgrade 25 additional C-17s Globemaster IIIs with the Northrop Grumman Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, or LAIRCM, defensive system.

Boeing is now on contract to upgrade a total of 56 C-17s with the LAIRCM system and has already delivered 25 upgraded aircraft. LAIRCM autonomously detects, tracks and jams infrared-seeking missiles by directing a high-intensity modulated laser beam into them.

This most recent award is a contract modification to the work Logistics Support Systems, a part of Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems, performs under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. Through the C-17 GSP, Boeing has total system support responsibility for the aircraft, including materiel management and depot maintenance.

"The addition of LAIRCM on the C-17s provides added safety for aircrews that fly into harm's way," said Gus Urzua, vice president, product support and C-17 GSP program manager. "Through the continuation of this program and our other C-17 GSP efforts, we continue to significantly improve the overall operational capability of the C-17 fleet for the warfighter."

The contract covers installation of hardware and other associated labor. The work will be performed at Boeing facilities in Long Beach, Calif., and San Antonio, Texas, and will be complete by March 2007.