HERNDON, VA – Sept. 6, 2017 – The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a $265 million contract for aircraft maintenance and logistics support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system.

BACN is a high-altitude, airborne gateway that translates and distributes voice communications, and other battlespace information from numerous sources. The system bridges the gaps between those systems and extends communications among disparate users and networks to provide improved situational awareness.

The maintenance and specialized skills for this contract will be in support of four BACN E-11A aircraft operations. The work is a continuation of an existing five-year maintenance contract which ends in January 2018. This new award is a base year contract with four option years.

“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 United States,” said John Parker, vice president, global logistics and modernization, Northrop Grumman Technology Services. “The execution of the new contract through January 2023 assures sustained support of the Air Force BACN system.”

Northrop Grumman’s approach to maintaining the E-11A fleet utilizes an affordable and proven contractor logistics support team. This team employs highly-streamlined reporting and supply chain tools that minimize parts delivery and downtime. Northrop Grumman’s aircraft maintenance work will include identifying subcontractor support, determining levels of aircraft repair, and assessing repair times, ground support equipment and tooling requirements.

Press release and picture Northrop Grumman