ST. LOUIS, Aug. 10, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force have signed a $19.8 million engineering manufacturing development contract for the modernization of the first Swedish Air Force C-130 aircraft.
The Undefinitized Contract Action award, which falls under the Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), leads to a foreign military sales contract between Boeing and the U.S. Air Force. The contract, the largest ever administered by the U.S. Air Force for the Swedish Government, is expected to be definitized by October 2006.
"The C-130 AMP program will lower Sweden's total ownership costs for its C-130 fleet while giving their air force the most capable C-130 aircraft available," said Mike Harris, vice president and C-130 program manager for Boeing.
Sweden became the first European operator of the aircraft when it received its first C-130 in 1965. The country also is the first international C-130 AMP customer.
Current plans call for modifications to be completed at the Boeing Support Systems Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Building on Boeing's performance on the U.S. Air Force C-130 AMP, benefits of the program include advanced cockpit technology and commonality with the U.S. Air Force. This initiative will standardize aircraft configurations within the Swedish Air Force through the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible, digital glass cockpit and a new avionics suit. The avionics suite includes digital displays and the proven 737 commercial airliner flight management system, both of which provide navigation, safety and communication improvements to meet Global Air Traffic Management requirements.