Northrop signs MOUs with Brazilian firms

• Tweet

ITAJUBA, Brazil, May 16 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has signed agreements with two Brazilian companies for possible precision aerospace and defense machining work.

Boeing, with which Northrop is partnered on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, reported the Memorandums of Agreement were signed by Northrop with GNS Industry and Trade and RCS Precision Machining and Maintenance. The MOUs outline plans for each company to explore work packages with Northrop Grumman for precision-machined aluminum components and sub-assemblies.

"GNS and RCS are experienced precision-machining manufacturers for the automotive, oil and steel industries, and have already made forays into aerospace," said Steve Hogan, Northrop Grumman vice president and program manager, F/A-18 Programs. "Our machining specialists view both of these companies as well positioned for expanded opportunities in the aerospace and defense industries."

Boeing and its Super Hornet partners in March visited the Brazilian state of Mina Gerais. The purpose was to evaluate local companies with aerospace capabilities for working as suppliers for the Super Hornet, which is being offered to the Brazilian military.

"Brazilian companies continue to demonstrate their aerospace capabilities, and Boeing and its industry partners are committed to identifying opportunities for them to work with us and our suppliers," said Megan Weinstock, manager of supplier management in support of International Strategic Partnerships for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "These endeavors are key to forging long-term business relationships with companies that can help us offer the right solutions to our customers."

The center and aft fuselages, as well as vertical stabilizers on the Super Hornet are manufactured by Northrop Grumman.