News Review: BAE Systems wins Black Hawk and Seahawk support contracts | ADM Feb 2010

1 February 2010

BAE Systems will establish a new aviation maintenance facility in Nowra, NSW, after securing the $208 million prime contract to support the Royal Australian Navy's S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter fleet.

And the company has won a three-year, $35 million contract, with extension options, to support the Army's Black Hawk helicopter fleet at Townsville until the end of its service life.

The seven-year performance based Seahawk support contract, also with extension options, commences in April and will sustain 130 highly skilled aviation technical and engineering jobs in Nowra, as well as a number of positions in Melbourne and Amberley, according to Defence Materiel Minister Greg Combet.

"The contract will also see the construction of a new aviation support facility at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra and enables in service support services for the Navy's fleet of 16 Seahawks to be maintained until they are withdrawn from service," he added.

Under the agreement, BAE Systems will move its existing operations from HMAS Albatross to the adjacent Albatross Aviation Technology Park and begin work on a purpose-built maintenance and support facility to be known as the Nowra Helicopter Support Centre.

The new facility is due for completion early 2011 and will enable BAE Systems Australia to expand its commitment to Navy Aviation and the Shoalhaven region of NSW.

The company has been providing deeper maintenance support for Navy helicopters out of Nowra since 1993.

BAE Systems Australia formed an industry alliance known as the Seahawk Support Team to bid for this contract.

Its team includes Raytheon Australia, Rosebank Engineering, Asia Pacific Aerospace, Air Affairs, AgustaWestland and Scientific Management Associates.

"This new contract ensures the continued employment of nearly 100 local maintenance technicians and support personnel in Townsville," Combet said.

"The Black Hawk will remain the primary troop lift capability for the Army until it is replaced by MRH 90 and then withdrawn from service.

"This new contract offers increased value for money and a more balanced approach to risk when compared to the previous arrangements.

"This is in line with the principles that have been outlined in the Strategic Reform Program for Defence."