BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace Signs Agreement to Enhance Availability of AV-8B Harrier II fleet

The US Department of the Navy awarded Vertex Aerospace LLC the $123 million Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services (CMMARS) task order in July 2020 to provide aircraft maintenance and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) services for the US Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier fleet. 

Vertex Aerospace selected BAE Systems as a subcontractor for the new logistics support contract, which will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the Harrier fleet using predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimization tools. Together, BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace will support the crucial training and combat operations conducted from US Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and forward operating bases.

This contract builds on BAE Systems’ existing role in maintaining the AV-8B Harrier’s reaction control system and providing engineering and technical support. Engineers from BAE Systems will work alongside Vertex and the US Marine Corps at stations in: Cherry Point, North Carolina; Yuma, Arizona; and, Madison, Mississippi. They will be supported by a specialist team in the UK with a proven pedigree of delivering maintenance and support contracts for the UK Royal Air Force, the company said.

This is the latest collaborative effort between BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace supporting the US armed forces, who together also support the US Navy’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures contract and spare wing production on the T-45 Goshawk programme. 

“The Harrier is one of the most iconic military aircraft ever created, with its British designed short take-off and vertical landing technology. Our expertise with the aircraft gores back 40 years and this new contract with Vertex Aerospace ensures we can continue to apply our expertise to support the US Marine Corps in their crucial operations,” says BAE Systems’  senior vice president, US Programs Tom Fillingham. – shp/adj/mgm (Images: USMC, BAE Systems)