LaBarge wins $1.2 million contract from Bell Helicopter

LaBarge, Inc. has received a $1.2million contract from Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, to produce electronic subassemblies for the de-icing system of the V-22 Osprey, tiltrotor military aircraft. LaBarge anticipates follow-on orders.

The V-22 combines the speed and range of a fixed wing aircraft with the vertical flight performance of a helicopter. Capable of vertical and short take-offs and landings, the V-22 is a tiltrotor - an aircraft with prop-rotors at the end of each wing that can be oriented vertically for vertical takeoffs and landings, horizontally for forward flight, and positions in between. The Osprey meets the joint mission requirements of the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Air Force Special Operations Command. The V-22 received approval for full rate production in September.

LaBarge will manufacture the central de-ice distributor and the blade de-ice distributor, both of which provide de-icing controls and lightning protection for the V-22.  LaBarge expects to begin work on this contract at its Huntsville, Ark., facility in November 2005, and continue through April 2007.

"As we head toward full-rate production next year, we are pleased to play an expanded role in providing Bell with electronics manufacturing services that suit LaBarge's niche so perfectly," said Craig LaBarge, chief executive office and president.