News Review: BAE Systems Australia to support Chinooks | ADM Apr 2011
Defence has signed a $20.9 million, six-year contract with BAE Systems to provide Deeper Maintenance (DM) for the Army’s fleet of six CH-47D Chinook helicopters, based in Townsville. The company has been maintaining the Chinook fleet there since 1995.
“Chinooks were an important part of the Defence Force’s response to the Queensland floods,” minister for defence materiel, Jason Clare, said. “They transported the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and emergency service workers as well as food and shelters into places like Condamine.
“They have also been hard at work supporting our troops in Afghanistan in recent times providing logistical support and moving combat units into battle. None of this happens if they aren’t well-maintained.”
Minister Clare said BAE Systems Australia’s bid represented the best value for money.
BAE Systems Australia’s managing director Jim McDowell said the decision underscored the company’s record of success over the past 14 years as the DM provider for the aircraft.
“It consolidates BAE Systems Australia’s reputation in this area, following its successes in December 2009 in winning support and maintenance contracts valued at $240 million for the Army’s Black Hawk and Navy’s Seahawk fleets,” McDowell said.
“Successful conclusion of this contract, and the existing Seahawk and Black Hawk contracts means BAE Systems Australia will be well placed to provide future support for all ADF rotary-wing aircraft.”
The company will deliver to the ADF uninterrupted Chinook CH-47D support through to the end of the life-of-type of this aircraft in ADF service and the lowest possible transition risk for introduction of the Chinook CH-47F aircraft, McDowell added.
The initial six-year performance-based contract, with options for up to 20 years, will support 23 jobs, mainly in Townsville, and requires BAE Systems Australia to provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, engineering and logistics support services from its base in northern Queensland.