The US Department of the Navy awarded Vertex Aerospace the $123 million ‘Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services’ (CMMARS) ‘task order’ in July 2020, to provide aircraft maintenance and ‘Contractor Logistics Support’ (CLS) services for the US Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier fleet.

Vertex Aerospace subsequently selected BAE Systems as a sub-contractor for the new logistics support contract, which will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the Harrier fleet using predictive maintenance techniques and ‘smart stock optimisation’ tools.

Together, BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace will support the training and combat operations conducted from US Navy aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and forward operating bases.

This contract builds on BAE Systems’ existing role in maintaining the AV-8B Harrier’s reaction control system and providing engineering and technical support. Engineers from BAE Systems will work alongside Vertex and the US Marine Corps at stations in Cherry Point (North Carolina), Yuma (Arizona), and Madison (Mississippi).

They will be supported by a specialist team in the UK with a ‘proven pedigree’ of delivering maintenance and support contracts for the UK’s RAF.

Tom Fillingham, senior vice president (US programmes) at BAE Systems Air, said: “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 US Marine Corps.”

This is the latest collaborative effort between BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace; together, they also support the US Navy’s ‘Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures’ contract and spare wing production on the T-45 Goshawk programme.