Aug 7 2010
ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) today announced that VACCO Industries has been awarded a five-year contract worth up to $35 million to supply T-700 anti-icing valves for use on U.S. Army UH-60 series Black Hawk helicopters.
The initial purchase order for $2.5 million was received on this contract with product deliveries expected to begin in fiscal 2011. Based on the Army's historical usage patterns for this product, and previous T-700 contract quantities delivered, VACCO expects to receive additional purchase orders for the full quantity of products over the term of the contract.
VACCO's anti-icing valves are designed to provide hot air flow for engine anti-ice protection during flight, and to bleed air from the engine during start-up. The T-700-powered Black Hawk helicopters are used extensively by the U.S. Army domestically and in overseas operations. The T-700 engines are also used on the U.S. Navy's Naval Hawk and the U.S. Coast Guard's Seahawk variations of the Black Hawk, as well as the Army's AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Antonio Gonzalez, President, VACCO Industries, commented, "We are very pleased to be selected once again to supply these critical valves to our nation's armed services. Our success in providing large quantities of this high-quality valve over the years put us in a great position to win this competitively bid contract. The Army's actions further validate our many years of successful engineering development, production of superior quality hardware, and dedicated service to our long-term customers. In addition, this sizable project is anticipated to add strength and long-term stability to our operating forecast."