Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has announced an agreement with Ehmke Manufacturing, Philadelphia, Pa., supporting the proposed HH-47 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) helicopter program for the U.S. Air Force.

"Boeing is tremendously proud of its HH-47 proposal and our team members," said Rick Lemaster, HH-47 program manager. "Ehmke reflects the quality our suppliers bring to the table and we are confident their involvement will be a major factor in winning the CSAR-X competition."

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 characteristics and capabilities that have been widely exploited in the ongoing war on terror, and on the domestic front as well.

Ehmke, located in Philadelphia, Pa, will assist in the design, production and integration of the thermal acoustical blankets used in the interior of the CSAR helicopter. Ehmke is a technical fabric solution provider specializing in the design and fabrication of industrial textile end-products primarily for the military and the defense industry. The company currently produces the fabric items utilized on the CH-47 Chinook and V-22 Osprey rotorcraft.

"Ehmke is committed to continue our strong relationship with Boeing Rotorcraft and support their mission in providing the U.S. Air Force the highest quality and most versatile rotorcraft to meet the CSAR requirements," said Ehmke Chief Executive Officer Bob Rosania.

In addition to its thermal acoustical blankets, Ehmke's technical fabric product offerings include safety harnesses, soft- sided cases, electronic carrying cases, hard cases, medical first aid kits, aviation ground support covers, tarpaulins, vehicular covers, mobile kitchen fabric components, straps and web assemblies.