BAE Systems has been awarded a five and a half year contract worth more than £400m by Eurofighter GmbH. The new contract will provide support for the radar and defensive aids sub systems (DASS) on the Typhoon fleets for the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

BAE Systems has system level design responsibility for the radar and DASS equipment on the  Typhoon swing-role fighter aircraft and will operate as the prime contractor for the contract which will be delivered in conjunction with Euroradar and Eurodass – two international consortia.

The Company has worked with SELEX Galileo (as Lead Contractor for both consortia) and the UK Ministry of Defence Typhoon team in a partnered approach for over 18 months developing an integrated, engineering driven support solution. This will provide a range of services leading to much reduced support costs, improved reliability of equipment and the transfer of risk to industry,  traditionally held by the customer.

The new solution was designed with both the operator and budget holder in mind. Customers will see a two-fold benefit as improved product reliability will lead to increased aircraft availability and lower repair costs.

This new contract will achieve a significant element of the UK MOD’s cost reduction targets for Typhoon and will demonstrate a 50% saving on the previous repair contract for the radar and DASS.

It changes the current repair contracting method for Typhoon by placing an incentive on BAE Systems to resolve technical problems more quickly and to continually reduce the volume of repair activity undertaken.

Chris Boardman, Managing Director of Typhoon Mission Support & International Programmes at BAE Systems said: ” Our customers will benefit from improved reliability and a reduction in support costs allowing them to deliver a more efficient and cost effective frontline capability. This solution also demonstrates the continuous progress BAE Systems is making to establish a successful through-life business. Signature of this contract is great news for the whole Typhoon team – both the four nation air forces and industry ”

In March of this year BAE Systems was awarded a five year, £450 million contract by the UK MoD for the maintenance and support of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft, to meet current and future operational commitments. Linked to this contract, the Company opened a new Typhoon support centre and maintenance facility at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 30 September.

Through life support for large combat aircraft programmes will be a significant element of BAE Systems’ business going forward. The Company was awarded a three year support contract for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Typhoon fleet earlier this week. This contract includes training in the United Kingdom for RSAF Typhoon pilots and Typhoon multi-skilled aircraft technicians.

Eurofighter not only represents the largest European industrial programme, supporting 100,000 jobs in 400 companies across the Continent, but it is also the most advanced example of technology within the European industry base. The aircraft has been selected by the air forces of Austria, Italy, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, with further export opportunities being pursued in a number of other markets.

Source: BAE Systems