* Northrop Grumman, EADS and the KC-30 supply base contributes
nearly $400 million to Florida's economy annually
* A KC-30 win will result in a total economic impact of $500 million
each year
* A KC-30 Tanker win would create an additional 2,000 jobs for
Floridians
MELBOURNE, Fla., Aug. 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) KC-30 Tanker program will create more than 2,000 new jobs throughout Florida if the KC-30 Tanker aircraft is selected by the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, the KC-30 Tanker program will generate economic activity in Florida nearing $100 million annually.
"A KC-30 Tanker win is an enormous win for the Space Coast as well as the entire state of Florida," said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. "This will create well over a thousand jobs for Floridians across the entire state. Florida will serve as headquarters for all program management and engineering for this aircraft program, further establishing our state as a global leader in the aerospace industry."
Northrop Grumman and principal KC-30 teammate EADS currently contribute nearly $300 million to Florida's economy each year, while the KC-30 supplier base currently generates more than $100 million annually. If the KC-30 Tanker is selected, the total economic impact to Florida will approach $500 million annually.
"Without a doubt, the Florida Chamber is excited about the acquisition of a new aerial refueling tanker for America's Air Force," said Frank M. Ryll, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. "Florida's economy will greatly benefit from this critical military aircraft program. We're pleased to see that Northrop Grumman is committed to creating in Florida the high-tech, high-wage jobs produced by this program."
Northrop Grumman Corporation currently employs more than 4,700 workers throughout the state, supporting the defense, aerospace and information technology industries.
"The Air Force's tanker replacement program is a national imperative," said U.S. Congressman Dave Weldon, representing Florida's 15th District. "Florida's workforce will play a vital role in ensuring our men and women in uniform receive the best technology the world has to offer."
Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker supply base in Florida includes:
* Gables Engineering, Coral Gables, Fla. - Air traffic control
panel
* ABA Industries, Pinellas Park, Fla. - Engine subassemblies
* Kam Specialties, Pompano Beach, Fla. - Engine subassemblies
* Pall Aeropower Corporation, New Port Richey, Fla. - Engine
subassemblies
* L3 Communications, Sarasota, Fla. - Mission recording system
* Smiths Aerospace, Clearwater, Fla. - Flight management system
* EADS, Melbourne, Fla. - Program management and engineering
The KC-30 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and employ 25,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.
About the KC-30: Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than a KC-135 or any competitor, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force's global reach. The KC-30 is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The KC-30 incorporates defense systems, precision fly-by-wire technology, and the ability to integrate a communications suite and a global support network.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.