CNC West Dec jan 2019

...Hotline Continued From Page 88 Arizona Companies Secure Big Army Contracts Two Arizona defense contractors recently were awarded big contracts with the U.S. Army. The Boeing Co. secured two contracts worth more than $288 million combined for work at its operations in Mesa. One contract is for $242 million to provide 17 Apache helicopters for sale to the United Arab Emirates, while a second is for $46 million for continued work on supply chain management and reliability improvements with the Army. Chicago-based Boeing has its Mesa opera- tions at Falcon Field where it manufactures Apache helicopters and also does drone and cybersecurity work. Northrop Grumman which has its Arizona op- erations in Sierra Vista, also was awarded an Army contract recently. The Virginia-based contractor secured a $74 million contract modification for logistics support work for the Army’s Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle program. Northrop Grumman also has a significant footprint in the Valley, where it recently received an $800 million government contract to work on a rocket program in Chandler, Az. Amfabsteel Plans More Jobs in New Mexico Expansion Just months after adding 40 jobs to its team, Amfabsteel Inc. is continuing its expansion. The New Mexico Department of Economic De- velopment announced Amfabsteel will expand its operations by adding another 40 jobs for a total of up to 80 new positions. In August, Amfabsteel announced that it, along with sis- ter company Phat Steel, would be adding 60 total jobs. “Amfabsteel is a homegrown success story and an industry leader. I’m thrilled to see it ex- pand yet again,” Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Matt Geisel said in a statement. “By doubling the size of their manufacturing plant and creating more well-paying jobs, Amfabsteel is expanding its impact on the local economy and helping New Mexicans find good jobs.” Along with the 80 additional jobs, Amfab- steel is expected to invest $8 million over the next three years. The manufacturer is adding 75,000 square feet to more than double the size of its manufacturing plant, which is expected to take two years. The state is set to commit up to $900,000 in Local Economic Development Act funding for the expansion. LEDA is a financial incentive used by the state and local governments as a closing fund to recruit new businesses and grow existing businesses in New Mexico. Boeing Contract for Second Japan KC-46 Tanker The U.S. Air Force has exercised the option for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s second Boeing KC-46 tanker through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) process. Boeing was awarded the initial FMS con- tract for Japan’s first KC-46 aircraft and miscellaneous logistics services in December 2017 following the Japan Ministry of De- fense’s KC-X aerial refueling competition. Boeing began developing the KC-46A Pegasus tanker for the U.S. Air Force in 2011 and is assembling the 767-derivative aircraft at its Everett, Wash., facility. Monrovia, CA Company Gets Contract for Unmanned Aircraft Systems AeroVironment Inc. has received a $3.2 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to provide RQ-20B Puma AE II small unmanned aircraft systems. Monrovia, California-based AeroVironment said it received a firm-fixed-price contract to provide the drone systems, as well as train- ing and support to an allied nation in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area. The company said it expects delivery by March 30. AeroVironment said its family of small drones comprise the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. DoD inventory and its international customers include more than 45 allied governments. The AeroVironment Puma is designed for land-based and maritime operations. The company said the all-environment Puma, with its Mantis i45 sensor suite, is capable of landing in water or on the ground, giving the operator extended flight time and a level of imaging capability previously unavailable in the small UAS class. AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft systems include the RQ-11B Raven, RQ-12 Wasp and RQ-20A/B Puma. They operate with a common ground control system and provide increased capability to the warfighter that can give ground commanders the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed. This increased capability has the potential to provide significant force protection and force mul- tiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel, AeroVironment said.