2009: New 5-Year Contract Keeps Kiowa Warriors’ Eyes Sharp

With the ARH-70A helicopter program on the rocks after a program cancellation and re-compete, the US Army’s over-stressed and aging fleet of armed OH-58D scout helicopters must soldier on in the face of losses and breakdowns.

One of their most critical pieces of equipment is their mast-mounted sight, which was originally developed to let the Kiowa Warriors watch Soviet tank formations while hovering behind trees. The sights’ advanced cameras, infared, and laser ranging/targeting features make them excellent tools in the current war as well, and these helicopters’ size, speed and numbers have given them a very important role in urban combat scenarios. See esp. DRS’ explanations of the battlefield benefits of mast-mounted helicopter sights vs. roof-mounted alternatives.

All equipment must be maintained, which is why DRS Optronics, Inc, Optronics Division in Palm Bay, FL received a new firm-fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee 5-year indefinite quantity/ indefinite delivery contract that will cover spares, repairs and services for the OH-58D’s mast mounted sight. The initial Dec 30/08 contract announcement includes $30.3 million under for the services for program year one. This agreement replaces the previous FY 2004-2008 indefinite quantity/ indefinite delivery contract for these services, which had a maximum value of $700 million if all options were exercised.

DRS is now a Finmeccanica subsidiary, and work will on the new contract be performed in Melbourne, FL with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/13. One bid was solicited and one bid received by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL

Source:
04-Jan-2009 – www.defenseindustrydaily.com
Photo: OH-58D over Tal Afar (www.defenseindustrydaily.com)


(1/8/2009)