BAE Systems joins Vertex in USMC Harrier support contract
Two companies will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the AV-8B fleet.
BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace have signed a nine-year agreement to enhance availability of the AV-8B Harrier II/II+ fleet operated by the USMC.
Vertex provides aircraft maintenance and contractor logistics support (CLS) services for the USMC Harrier fleet, under a $123 million Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services task order issued by the USN in July 2020.
Some 120 Harriers remain in USMC service out of the 200 originally ordered, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Vertex selected BAE Systems as a subcontractor for the CLS contract. Together, the two partners ‘will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the Harrier fleet using predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimisation tools’, BAE Systems noted in a 12 January announcement.
BAE Systems already maintains the reaction control system on the AV-8B Harrier and it also provides engineering and technical support for the aircraft.
Engineers from BAE Systems will work alongside Vertex and the USMC at three locations in the US. They will be supported by a specialist team in the UK.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![QinetiQ wins $14 million contract to supply Vindicator drones to US Navy]()
QinetiQ wins $14 million contract to supply Vindicator drones to US Navy
The five-year contract is reportedly the largest provision of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) support for use by the US Navy (USN) and will run until late 2029.
-
![Pentagon approves $100 million Bell 412 sale to Zambia]()
Pentagon approves $100 million Bell 412 sale to Zambia
The deal highlights Zambia’s ongoing pursuit to buy more Bell 412s to round out its diverse helicopter fleet.
-
![US Navy to explore integration of LRASMs on F-15E and F-15EX aircraft]()
US Navy to explore integration of LRASMs on F-15E and F-15EX aircraft
The contract opportunity, spearheaded by Naval Air Systems Command, intends to integrate and test the AGM-158C missile on the aircraft platform.
-
![ITPS Canada selects Avionq simulation technology for training]()
ITPS Canada selects Avionq simulation technology for training
With Avionq’s AqLab and AqModel, students will be able to train using models of currently deployed missile types.
-
![FLIR Defense to provide 125 electro-optic sensors to US Coast Guard]()
FLIR Defense to provide 125 electro-optic sensors to US Coast Guard
The systems will be installed on US Coast Guard (USCG) MH-60 and MH-65 helicopters.
-
![Babcock wins €795 million contract to support French Air Force training]()
Babcock wins €795 million contract to support French Air Force training
The contract will last for 17-years and covers provision to support military air training for the French navy, air and space forces.
