, WOOD DALE: AAR Corp. announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Army to provide 75 cargo handling systems for CH-47 (Chinook) helicopters.
The systems will be manufactured by AAR's Cargo Systems division in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Delivery is scheduled to begin in October 2008 and be completed by April 2010. The contract includes two option years, during which the Army can order 75 additional cargo handling systems each year.
This is the second order AAR has received for CH-47 cargo systems from the U.S. Army. In August 2007, the Army selected AAR to provide 25 cargo systems for the CH-47, which are scheduled to be completed by October 2008.
“AAR is very proud to support the Chinook program, which is so critical to the operations of our defense forces,” commented Terry Stinson, vice president of AAR's Structures and Systems group. “We understand the urgent need the Army has for these systems. I believe the skill of our workforce and the efficiency of our facility in Goldsboro can produce a quality product in a timely fashion that will help the Army achieve its goals.”
The CH-47 Chinook is a twin engine, tandem rotor helicopter used to transport ground forces, supplies, ammunition and other battle-critical cargo in support of worldwide combat, contingency and humanitarian relief operations. AAR is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the current CH-47 cargo system which has been in service since 1982.
AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems and Aircraft Sales and Leasing.
