Boeing [BA] recently announced it selected Hunstville, Ala.-based Science Engineering Services Inc. (SES) to perform disassembly, inspection and repair on AH-64D Apache helicopters in preparation for their upgrade to the Block III configuration.
“The capabilities of the SES organization will enhance our efforts as Boeing continues to produce Apaches for the U.S. Army and international customers,” said Al Winn, Boeing vice president, Apache Programs. “The program will create approximately 70 new positions for aviation and avionics mechanics, structural installers, and aviation quality inspectors within SES.”
Tony Jones, Boeing vice president and Huntsville, Ala., site executive, said, “As a supplier team member working on the Apache program, SES will add to the scope of aviation work being performed for Boeing in North Alabama and provide additional aerospace employment opportunities in the region.”
SES will receive Army Apache helicopters at the SES West Aviation and Integration Facility in Huntsville, where the aircraft will be disassembled, inspected and repaired as necessary. SES will then ship the components and airframes to Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., for integration into the newest model Apache helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Block III.
A production decision will be made on the Block III Apache program this spring.
“This decision by The Boeing Company will positively affect the Tennessee Valley over the course of the next several years,” said E.J. Sinclair, CEO of SES. “We look forward to being an integral part of the Boeing Apache Block III team and working on the greatest attack helicopter in the world. This work continues to build Huntsville’s reputation as a Rotary Wing Center of Excellence for the Army.”