The AV-8B Harrier Vertical Take Off and Landing VTOL “Jump Jet” will be getting maintenance upgrades, keeping the aircraft mission ready into the next decade. BAE Systems has been selected by Vertex Aerospace as the subcontractor for logistics support and will help ensure the military aircraft is operational for years to come. Additionally, Vertex Aerospace and BAE Systems will support training and combat operations taking place from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, assault ships and military bases.
Maintaining An Iconic Military Aircraft
BAE Systems is no stranger to the AV-8B Harrier. The manufacturer has played a key role in the design and development of the aircraft. BAE Systems is already providing engineering and technical support for the Harrier’s reaction control systems. As part of the Vertex Aerospace subcontract, BAE will work in collaboration with Vertex and the United States Marine Corps in a handful of bases including, Cherry Point, North Carolina; Yuma, Arizona; and, Madison, Mississippi. “The Harrier is one of the most iconic military aircraft ever created, with its British designed short take-off and vertical landing technology. Our expertise with the aircraft goes back 40 years and this new contract with Vertex Aerospace ensures we can continue to apply our expertise to support the U.S. Marine Corps in their crucial operations,” said Tom Fillingham, Senior Vice President – US Programs, BAE System.