Phillips Service Industries (PSI) subsidiary, Beaver Aerospace & Defense, has been selected as supplier under the US Air Force’s (USAF) recently awarded light air support (LAS) contract.
Secured by the team of Embraer Defense & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) in February, the controversial $427.5m LAS contract covers delivery of a total of 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to help the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF) address its security requirements.
Under the contract, the company will manufacture and deliver three trim actuators, including elevator, rudder and aileron, for use on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
Known for their quality, precision and performance, the company’s electromechanical actuators (EMAs) are custom-designed to cost-efficiently fit any rigorous application and withstand demanding environments.
Designed, manufactured, evaluated and repaired at the company’s facilities in Livonia, Michigan, US, the actuators are currently installed onboard several advanced aircraft, missiles, and mission-critical space exploration systems worldwide.
Representing US’s support to Afghanistan following strategic withdrawal at the end of 2014, the LAS contract also includes delivery of associated maintenance and training support to the AAF.
Expected to be delivered in the summer of 2014, the aircraft will be used by AAF for advanced flight training, surveillance, close air support or ground troops and air interdiction missions.
More than 88% of the aircraft is expected to be manufactured using parts delivered by over 100 US companies from 20 states, or countries that qualify under the Buy America Act.
Manufacturing work is scheduled to be carried out by US workers in Jacksonville, Florida, while training will be provided in Clovis, New Mexico, US.
Performance period and the delivery schedule of the contract have not been revealed.
Image: An A-29 Super Tucano aircraft landing on an airfield. Photo: Copyright 2011 Embraer SA.
