EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 6 (UPI) -- U.S. engineering company Wyle will modernize 1960s-era life rafts for U.S. Air Force crews under a contract worth $850,000.
The life rafts, which carry as many as 25 people, are used aboard U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft.
"Wyle's experts will assess the life raft functions and requirements, and then prioritize the ideal solution for the entire system, resulting in improved maintenance and longevity of these systems," said Martin Kosiek, a Wyle vice president in the company's Aerospace Group.
Wyle's work will be conducted at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. It will include developing a technical data package and prototypes. It will also reverse-engineer components if necessary since issues of obsolescence make obtaining spare parts for current rafts difficult.
Company engineering support will ensure procurement and maintenance of the rafts in the future, it added.
Additional terms of the contract were not provided.
