MADISON, Miss., - Vertex Aerospace has been selected to lead the installation portion for a KC-130J aerial transport and refueling aircraft contract in partnership with BAE Systems Inc. The team was selected as the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Aircraft Prototype System Division (APSD) KC-130J Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) contract awardee.
BAE is the prime contractor for the program and selected Vertex's Aircraft Integration & Sustainment (AIS) division to lead the installation portion of the contract at its Crestview, Florida location. The AIS Crestview site is co-located with the Bob Sikes Airport, which boasts a fully instrumental 8,000-foot runway providing easy access for all sized aircraft. The facility houses multiple high bay hangars for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft modification and is complemented by over 500,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, production, and assembly buildings servicing major OEMs.
During the five-year contract, a total of 19 KC-130J aircraft will undergo modification and installation of the LAIRCM system. The LAIRCM advanced missile warning system will stop missile threats, significantly enhancing the KC-130J aircraft's overall capabilities.
