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BAE bids to land £7bn US jet project
Defence giant BAE Systems is in the running to provide the United States Air Force with a new training jet.

BAE Systems has emerged as the frontrunner to provide the United States Air Force with a new training jet in what would be a major boost for Britain's biggest manufacturer and the UK economy.

Senior figures within BAE believe the T-X program to provide the US air force with 350 training jets presents a "very significant opportunity" and that the company is well positioned to win the deal.

The contract is estimated to be worth more than $11bn (£7.1bn). BAE believes its Hawk jet has a strong chance because budget constraints in the US mean the air force is not looking for a brand new aircraft.
A side effect would be to keep an ally's beseiged military capability a little more viable.
If the company wins the contract, the Hawk, which is used by the Red Arrows, would be assembled in the US. However, around half the components would be produced in the UK, delivering significant support to domestic manufacturers.

BAE is working on its bid with Northrop Grumman and L-3 Link. A final decision is expected to be made by the USAF in early 2014, with the aircraft in service by 2020.


Posted by: 2012-07-08
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=347943