LaBarge wins additional $2.1 Million contract with Boeing

LaBarge, Inc. (Amex: LB) announced that The Boeing Company awarded it a $2.1 million contract to continue to supply wire harness assemblies for U.S. Air Force T-38C training jets. LaBarge began manufacturing the assemblies for Boeing in 2000.

Manufactured in Berryville, Ark., the LaBarge-built wire harness assemblies are part of the U.S. Air Force's T-38 Avionics Upgrade Program. Through that program, Boeing is upgrading more than 500 of the advanced-jet training aircraft. The jets feature a large-field-of-view head-up display in the front cockpit; multi-functional displays; an integrated global positioning and navigation system; and a traffic collision avoidance system. LaBarge's cable assemblies will support critical functions in the aircraft cockpit. Shipments for this contract will begin in October and continue through September 2005.

The Avionics Upgrade Program is part of the Air Force Pacer Classic initiative that will extend the life of the advanced supersonic trainers until 2020. Boeing expects the upgrade program to significantly improve the avionics reliability of the T-38 and reduce support costs for the Air Force.