GKN Aerospace company FPT Industries has won its latest contract with Boeing Military Aircraft to supply fuel pods and assemblies for the Chinook helicopter, thirty years after work began on this airframe.
The Company will supply fuel pods for the short range version and side panels for both the short and long range versions (CH47-F and G) to the United States National Guard and the Egyptian Air Force. This work, coupled with existing spares activity, will bring the value of business on the Chinook in 2006 alone, to $6.2m. In addition, potential future aircraft requirements may result in a further 10 year delivery schedule for these items to support the United States Airforce and National Guard helicopters.
In recent years, GKN Aerospace’s work on the Chinook has been relatively small, covering spares for the fuel pods and panels only. However, recent war and aid efforts coupled with the needs of the airframe, have resulted in an increased need for production build units at this time.
John Pritchard, Vice President Operation and Site Director for FPT Industries, comments: “Our contracts covering the Chinook helicopter commenced in 1976 and now look set to continue to provide work for the Company for a fourth decade. We are proud of our involvement on this world renowned airframe and of the longevity and success of our relationship with Boeing on this programme.”