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Press Release |
13th December 1999 |
| West Country Aerospace company joins Boeing to build fighter planes for the 21st century. |
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A live satellite link between Aerosystems
International’s Yeovil HQ and the roll out ceremony for the
Boeing Joint Strike Fighter (SF) X-32 aircraft in Palmdale,
California is taking place on 14 December at 1800 hrs. The ceremony will mark the transition to flight from assembly for Boeing’s strike fighter and marks AeI’s involvement in what is likely to be the biggest aircraft contract in the next century. The aim of the Boeing Joint Strike Fighter Program is to develop an affordable next-generation strike fighter. Intended for UK defence, it is a contender to replace RN Sea Harrier and RAF GR7 Harrier to be operated under the Joint Force 2000. For the US services, it will replace the USAF F-16 and A-10; it will complement the USN F/A-18E/F and it will replace the USMC Harrier AV-8B and F/A-18C/D. The Joint Strike Fighter will also be developed to meet the needs of other allied nations, and could lead to a production requirement in excess of 3000 aircraft. Boeing is competing with Lockheed Martin for the JSF contract and the decision is expected in the first quarter of 2001, with operational capability in 2008. The Joint Strike Fighter will also be developed to meet the needs of other allied nations, and could lead to a production requirement in excess of 3000 aircraft. Boeing is competing with Lockheed Martin for the JSF contract and the decision is expected in the first quarter of 2001, with operational capability in 2008. Aerosystems International managing director Scott Roy says, "Aerosystems International is privileged that Boeing has recognised our expertise and capability in this area. It is an opportunity that creates business and jobs well into the twenty first century." AeI is currently involved in a number of prestigious programmes for the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army. Jointly owned by GKN Aerospace and BAE SYSTEMS, the company was formed in 1985 and now has a turnover of over £50m with offices across the UK and the USA. Note to Editors: Aerosystems International, jointly owned by GKN Aerospace and BAE SYSTEMS, was formed in 1985 for the sole purpose of developing aerospace systems and software, combining the avionics and systems expertise of GKN Westland with the software and project management skills of BAeSEMA. For further information please contact: Emma
Taylor |
