ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Boeing is highlighting its production and delivery of combat aircraft to the U.S. Navy under a multiyear procurement contract.
From 2007 through 2011, the company delivered to the Navy a total of 257 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growler electronic attack planes -- all ahead of schedule and within budget.
"Super Hornets and Growlers provide unmatched, proven and affordable capability for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups around the globe," said Mike Gibbons, vice president, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs.
"Boeing and its more than 1,900 Super Hornet and Growler suppliers are committed to ensuring this nation's warfighters have the advanced capability they need, on time and on budget, as promised."
Boeing said the multiyear contract approach provided "a stable production environment" that helped manufacturers and suppliers to reduce cost through bulk purchasing and productivity enhancements.
Of the 257 aircraft delivered, 24 were for Australia, provided by the United States under a Foreign Military Sales agreement.
The U.S. Navy under the initial MYP II contract award included 210 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Through fiscal year 2009, 47 aircraft were added to the contract, including 24 F/A-18Fs acquired by the Australian air force under a Foreign Military Sale agreement with the U.S. Navy.
