LaBarge awarded $18.9 million contract from Sikorsky for BLACK HAWK helicopter program

LaBarge, Inc. (NYSE Amex: LB) has been awarded a multi-year contract valued at approximately $18.9 million from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to produce electronic assemblies for various models of UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopters through 2014. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). LaBarge has manufactured cables and electronic assemblies for the BLACK HAWK program since 2005. The new contract expands LaBarge's manufacturing role to include additional types of electronic assemblies that support lighting and power systems in the helicopters.

Production on the contract's initial release, which is valued at $3.5 million, began this month and is expected to continue through December 2010. LaBarge is performing the work at its Huntsville, Ark., facility.

Designed and manufactured by Sikorsky, the BLACK HAWK helicopter is the U.S. Army's primary utility tactical transport helicopter, which is capable of a variety of missions from combat assault and peacekeeping to disaster relief and medical evacuation. The BLACK HAWK helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics and electronics systems and is part of the Army's long-term effort to modernize its medium-lift helicopter fleet.