April 19 (UPI) -- Engines powering UH-1H Huey helicopters used by the U.S. Department of State for counter-narcotics operations are to be serviced by Prime Turbines LLC.
CSE Corporation, parent of VSE Aviation and its Prime Turbines subsidiary, said the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to repair, overhaul and modify the T53-L-703 engines is for five years and has a ceiling value of $16.6 million.
The engines power 85 Huey helicopters of the agency's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs aviation. The aircraft provide support for the eradication and interdiction of illicit drugs, the training of contractor and host national personnel, embassy support, movement of personnel and equipment, reconnaissance, personnel recovery, medical evacuation and other purposes.
"We are pleased by VSE Aviation's first award as prime contractor supporting a federal government customer," Maurice Gauthier, chief executive officer of VSE, said in a press release. "This opportunity is consistent with our strategy to bring the mature capabilities of our acquired subsidiaries into new markets and expands our fleet sustainment competencies."
According to VSE Aviation, the work performed by Prime Turbines will occur at Prime Turbine's facility in Mesa, Ariz. The facility is a Honeywell-authorized engine overhaul and repair business.
