Hillend, United Kingdom – BAE Systems Manufacturing at Hillend in Fife has been awarded a major contract worth in excess of £20million to provide procurement and electronic manufacturing services to SELEX Galileo, as part of their contract to deliver the Typhoon Tranche 3a Captor radar programme, which is the primary sensor for the Typhoon jet, and one of the most technically advanced airborne radar systems in the world. Work on the programme is due to commence at BAE Systems’ Hillend facility this year and will run until 2013.

Danny O’Brien, General Manager stated “The recent award is a reflection of the strong business relationship between SELEX Galileo and BAE Systems Manufacturing Hillend. The close working style will enable effective responses to existing and next generation programmes.”

Manufacturing Hillend has won over £165m orders in the last 12 years from their Customer SELEX Galileo for both Captor Radar and DASS (Defensive Aids Sub System) assemblies used on the Typhoon combat aircraft.

The Captor radar represents a major programme of sub-contract work for Hillend comprising multiple types of complex printed circuit boards and electronic modules, which make up one of the most vital elements of the radar system.

Andy Brown, VP business procurement at SELEX Galileo, stated “The end result that was achieved for these contract awards has followed a number of months of sterling effort by both companies. We have jointly addressed the challenges from our Customer Chain, and also reflected the need to “up the ante” in a tough economic climate. Team work between our two companies made a real difference, and gives us both a strong platform for success in these important programmes”.

BAE Systems Manufacturing, Hillend, Fife is part of BAE Systems Mission Systems and employs around 200 people. The site offers a state-of- the-art manufacturing facility producing complex electronic assemblies to the UK and export defence markets. Accredited to the highest quality standards including AS 9100, the manufacturing facility provides electronic assemblies and circuits into leading defence programmes such as Typhoon jet aircraft, Sting Ray and Spearfish torpedoes, the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and Type 45 Destroyers; it also produces cryptographic products to UK and overseas Navies’ as well as being the most significant supplier of electronic assemblies to the Royal Navy’s latest radar system, Artisan. It has produced four mission crew trainers for the new British Army TERRIER vehicle and also supports a number of other major programmes, including the Royal Navy’s Astute submarine training system and the UK Army Combined Arms Tactical Trainer.

Source: BAE Systems
Photo: Marcel van Leeuwen, ZAPP