Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has announced a five-year licensing agreement between its Intellectual Property Business (IPB) and LOUD Engineering & Manufacturing, Ontario, Calif. The agreement provides LOUD with a non-exclusive license and proprietary data for use in the supply of spare parts, landing gear maintenance, repair and overhaul services to international CH-47 Chinook helicopter operators.

"This business arrangement further demonstrates Boeing's commitment to providing world-class service to CH-47 customers," said George Lowry of Boeing IPB, Integrated Defense Systems business partner and lead manager for the licensing agreement. "It offers Chinook operators an alternative source of support that positively impacts operational readiness and economic efficiencies. LOUD's specific expertise, developed and demonstrated in its role as a Boeing supplier, offers the operator the quality and responsiveness expected from a Boeing licensee."

LOUD General Manager Eric Jensen said LOUD teammates are proud that Boeing, a world leader in aircraft manufacturing, has recognized the supplier's capabilities and entrusted them with this agreement. "It is a significant milestone for LOUD Engineering as we strive to provide increased value to our customers," said Jensen. "This further strengthens our relationship with Boeing and our commitment to excel as a supplier for the CH-47 and Team Chinook."

The CH-47 is a multi-mission helicopter for the U.S. Army and international defense forces. It is the most proficient and recognized transport helicopter in the world with application for the U.S. Army and numerous international customers. The legacy of the Chinook began in 1962 and continues today with the CH-47F and MH-47E configurations.

Since its introduction, 1,179 Chinooks have been built. Today these aircraft are performing humanitarian search, rescue and recovery missions in the Mountains of Pakistan, the Gulf Coast of the U.S. and the tsunami disaster in Asia.