Boeing

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.