Photo By Matthew Montgomery | A Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing Mesa Apache Program technical lead...... read more read more
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MESA, Ariz. -- For more than 30 years, the Apache helicopter has provided unique airstrike capabilities to the military. Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing Mesa personnel have been overseeing the program since the contract was awarded in the 1970s.
The DCMA office in Mesa, Ariz., is responsible for more than 600 contracts at a face value of more than $15.5 billion. The majority of resources are spent overseeing the building and remanufacturing of the Apache.
“Most of our oversight is focused on the production and remanufacturing process,” said John Graham, DCMA Boeing Mesa program integrator. “We actually deliver directly to the Army and ensure aircraft meet contractual obligations, specification performance standards, and that everything operates safely during flight.”
The Apache program is scheduled for production through 2013. Graham said the office staff and quality assurance specialists in the plant make sure a quality product is delivered on time and at cost. Currently, that means overseeing the production and remanufacturing of about four aircraft monthly.
“We monitor the entire process here at the plant,” said Jeff Adams, DCMA Boeing Mesa Apache Program technical lead, “from the time the airframe comes in on one side, to them going out to paint and flight test on the other.”
The Apache has two engines that produce more than 3,400 combined horsepower. Each cost approximately $1 million and allow the aircraft to reach speeds up to 150 miles per hour. Adams said that ensuring they are installed correctly is critical to the program.
“We do everything from checking the engine motor mounts to witnessing the torque of a drive shaft,” said Adams. “DCMA being a part of the process helps out immensely and having us here in the plant is a great thing. I think it really improves the quality and final product to the customer.”
| Date Taken: | 10.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2011 09:19 |
| Story ID: | 78366 |
| Location: | MESA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 228 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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