Senior plc, an international manufacturer of high technology components and systems, announced that its Aerospace Division has been officially selected by Saab AB to supply components for the Boeing T-X advanced pilot training system. The U.S. Air Force selected the purpose-built aircraft and simulation system after a multi-year competition.

The Senior effort will commence with support to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development ("EMD") phase followed by series production. Furthermore in their award announcement, Boeing stated that they "expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century."

The scope of the Senior content is to provide the Bleed Air Duct System and the APU Exhaust duct assembly to Saab. The work will be performed at Senior's world-class facility in the United States, supporting Boeing and Saab's commitment to an American made aircraft.

Senior Aerospace SSP will design and manufacture the Bleed Air Duct System and the APU Exhaust duct assembly, with work commencing immediately to support Saab and program schedules. SSP is a leading supplier of high-temperature and high-pressure fluid conveyance systems, including Bleed Air Duct and APU Exhaust, for the civil and military aerospace industry.

Commenting on the award, David Squires, Chief Executive of Senior plc, said: "We are delighted to be selected for this prestigious programme and to grow our relationship with Saab. Senior Aerospace is a very experienced supplier to the US Defence market and we look forward to playing our part in delivering an exceptional trainer aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. We feel confident that the aircraft will prove to be very successful in meeting other US domestic and international opportunities beyond the initial U.S. Air Force programme".

"Saab welcomes Senior to the T-X family and the contribution this agreement makes as we go forward in this important stage in our relationship", says Mikael Heelge, Vice President and head of Strategic Sourcing, business area Aeronautics, Saab.