ASDWire distribution date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 10:13:00 GMT +0100

Army Awards Westar Contract to Support Upgrade, Fielding of Apache Attack Helicopter

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 1, 2007 --[ASDWire]-- The U.S. Army’s Apache Attack Helicopter Project Manager’s Office has awarded Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc., a QinetiQ North America company, a five-year contract to continue supporting the upgrade and fielding of the Apache Block III (AB3) Attack Helicopter.

AB3 improvements, slated for implementation beginning in 2008, will include the integration of advanced technologies into a proven weapon systems platform. Among the new additions to the current system will be UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) control capability, improved situational awareness, enhanced engines and drive systems, a better targeting capability, and an upgraded communications suite. The program’s overall mission is the fielding of 634 modernized Army Attack Helicopters.

“AB3 will address obsolescence issues and add capability, ensuring the aircraft is a viable combat multiplier through 2030 and part of the Army’s Future Combat Force,” said Westar’s Hanson Rains, Vice President, Acquisition & Operational Support.

Westar will provide programmatic support to the AB3 program, including resource management; cost estimating/analysis; and schedule development assessment. For example, Westar will support an AB3 contract management team; 18 separate technical insertion Integrated Project Teams; a system test and evaluation team; and a budgetary management team. Westar began supporting the AB3 program in May 2004.

About Westar:
Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. is a leading systems engineering contractor with more than 1,200 professionals around the world delivering high-value engineering, software solutions, logistics information management and IT technical support services to the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments and select commercial customers. For more information: www.westar.com

About QinetiQ North America:
QinetiQ North America Operations LLC has more than 5,000 engineers and technologists who work in partnership with customers to develop innovative technology solutions to meet the challenges of national defense, homeland security and information access. QinetiQ North America is part of QinetiQ Group, plc, one of the world’s leading defense and security technology companies. For more information: www.QinetiQ-na.com.

Company Information