Longbow to support Britain's Apache fleet

ORLANDO, Fla., March 13 (UPI) -- Longbow International says that it received a $96 million contract from AgustaWestland to support Longbow fire control radars on Britain's Apache helicopters.

The contract period is five years and covers engineering services, integrated logistics support and an in-country repair capability.

Longbow, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, said its work will be part of the overall Integrated Operational Support solution for the U.K. Apache attack helicopter fleet provided by AgustaWestland to Britain's Ministry of Defense.

"LONGBOW International will provide comprehensive services to sustain fire control radars equipping the British Army's fleet of Apache helicopters," said Tom Eldredge, LONGBOW International's president and director of LONGBOW programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our strong partnership with AgustaWestland enables us to provide high operational availability and system reliability at low overall costs in support of the U.K. Ministry of Defense

Work under the award will be performed at the Wattisham Airfield Special Repair Activity Depot in Britain; Northrop Grumman's Baltimore, Md., facility; Lockheed Martin facilities in Ocala and Orlando, Fla.; and LMUK Ampthill in Britain.

Longbow said the contract was awarded last year but provided no explanation for the delay in its announcement.