Northrop Grumman has secured a $265m contract to provide aircraft maintenance and logistics support for the US Air Force’s (USAF) battlefield airborne communications node (BACN) system.
The latest award is a follow-on deal for an existing five-year maintenance contract, which is expected to end in January.
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Under the contract, which has one base period and four option years, the company will deliver maintenance and specialised skills to support four BACN-fielded Bombardier E-11A aircraft operations.
Work under the new BACN platform maintenance contract will include identifying subcontractor support, determining levels of aircraft repair, as well as assessing repair times, ground support equipment and tooling requirements.
Northrop Grumman Technology Services global logistics and modernisation vice-president John Parker said: “This win continues the legacy of customer support established by Northrop Grumman and leverages the expertise and commitment by our team, both in and outside the continental US.
“The execution of the new contract through January 2023 assures sustained support of the airforce BACN system.”
The BACN airborne gateway is capable of translating and distributing voice communications, as well as other battlespace information from numerous sources.
This high-altitude system has been designed to bridge the gaps between those systems and extends communications among disparate users and networks to provide improved situational awareness, Northrop stated.
Northrop Grumman’s contractor logistics support team is responsible for maintaining the E-11A fleet.
The team uses highly streamlined reporting and supply chain tools that minimise parts delivery and downtime.
Image: The USAF has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract for aircraft maintenance and logistics support of the BACN system. Photo: courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corporation.
