FAIRFAX, Va., April 6 (UPI) -- A wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Boeing and Atair Aerospace Inc. has been contracted for an air-drop canopy system for delivering cargo to U.S. Marines.
The contract to Argon ST from the Marine Corps System Command is a not-to-exceed ceiling, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award. Its value is $45 million.
Under the contract Argon will procure, test and deliver the Joint Precision Air Drop System Ultra Light Weight system. The contract includes training and logistics support.
The JPADS-ULW is an aircraft-deployed, steerable canopy system that is capable of delivering cargo loads of 250-699 pounds rigged weight safely and effectively from an altitude of 24,500 feet through hardware, software altitude control, glide management of system descent and landing.
Atair Aerospace produces the Onyx UL, which is designed to help resupply small units spread across the battlefield.
As the prime contractor, Argon ST will provide program management, contracts, logistics services and manufacturing support from its offices in Smithfield, Pa., while Atair will be responsible for engineering, design and training.
"Argon ST and Atair are excited for the opportunity to support the Marine Corps and are committed to ensuring the latest technologies and overall capabilities through our JPADS-ULW system," said Keith Harmon, director of operations support for Argon ST.
Added Rick Zaccari, chief operating officer of Atair, "Under the Marines' precision air-drop program, the Onyx UL will enable military planners to accurately position mission-critical supplies to small units of in-need warfighters spread across undeveloped and unconventional theaters of operation."
