CPI Aero wins multi-year award for outer wing panel kits

Outer wing panel kits for use on U.S. Navy aircraft are being produced by CPI Aerostructures through a multi-year contract from Northrop Grumman.

The award by Northrop Grumman is worth about $86.1 million. The amount includes about $63.6 million in new funded backlog and about $22.5 million in requirements that were released to CPI Aero in 2013.

The kits are for use in the manufacture of complete wings for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and the C-2A Greyhound aircraft, and have been supplied by CPI Aero since 2008.

"The Northrop Grumman-led supplier team -- Team Hawkeye -- brings together the best in the industry, ensuring the continued success of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 Programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We've enjoyed an exceptional relationship with CPI Aero over the past six years (and) we congratulate them in earning a place on Team Hawkeye alongside Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and L-3 Communications."

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is an early warning and battle management command-and-control aircraft. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $3.6 billion multi-year contract last June to build 25 full rate production Hawkeyes for delivery by 2028. The Navy's program of record calls for 75 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, of which Northrop Grumman has delivered 15.

The C-2A is a transport for high-priority cargo, such as aircraft parts -- mail and passengers to deployed aircraft carriers. Northrop Grumman is replacing the wings of the C-2A Greyhound fleet.