U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters which are serviced at Corpus Christi Army Depot. Courtesy photo
A long-term partnership between Boeing and Corpus Christi Army Depot to overhaul complex parts for two Army helicopters was extended five years in mid-June. A public-private agreement, the partnership allows the army to utilize Boeing’s expertise in platform service and supply networks to more efficiently overhaul complex parts for AH-64 Apaches and CH-47 Chinooks. Total value is $238 million.
“Our partnership at Corpus Christi Army Depot allows Boeing and the Army to bring the best of both government and industry to aircraft readiness and availability,” said Tim Sassenrath, vice president and program manager, Boeing Rotorcraft Support. “Together we have seen successful improvements in affordability, repair turnaround time and surplus inventory and we look forward to continuing our successful legacy with the depot.”
The announcement came on the heels of the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill allocates $85 million to the CCAD to finish a new Powertrain facility. Appropriations are for the 2016 fiscal year.
“These funds will ensure that CCAD completes the next phase in the construction of its new Powertrain facility, a critical component in their mission to support our men and women on the front lines in defense of our liberty,” Rep. Blake Farenthold announced in a press release.
The new powertrain facility — phase two of an eight phase expansion — will cut the amount of time it takes crews to dismantle, clear, repair or replace parts in helicopters. Currently done in Building 8, the work makes a circuitous route from station to station within the World War II era-facility. A part cane sometime travel five miles within the building before competition. The new building will cut that travel time to less than 1.3 miles.
The money will be used on infrastructure as well, including underground stormwater collection tanks. Improvements should cut maintenance and utility costs by $2.5 million to $5 million a year.
The senate will vote on the bill next.
Meanwhile, the Boeing partnership is in place and working.
Boeing is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. CCAD employees have worked side-by-side with Boeing employees in Corpus Christi since 2004. “Having [Boeing] employees at the depot working with Army maintenance personnel gives Boeing unique agility and flexibility in helping our customers meet their fast-paced mission requirements,” said Lisa Stuart, program manager and Boeing site lead at CCAD. “From routine maintenance support to unscheduled repairs of battle-damaged aircraft, we both benefit from the partnership.”
