ST. LOUIS, May 11, 2000 — The Boeing Company and the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command have signed a contract that begins the remanufacturing program for Spain's EAV-8B day-attack Harriers. The contract calls for the remanufacture of two Harriers with an option for an additional seven currently in the Spanish navy's fleet.

This effort will standardize the fleet to a common Harrier II Plus configuration. "We're excited about working with our Spanish allies to provide an affordable capability in their Harrier fleet," said Dave Bowman, Harrier program manager for Boeing. "This program represents a significant milestone that will extend the AV-8B remanufacture line well into 2003."

An upgrade to the Harrier II, the Harrier II Plus performs a wider range of missions, around the clock and in adverse weather. The Harrier II Plus radar also provides improved self-defense and pilot situational awareness. During the remanufacture process, the aircraft will be disassembled in Spain, upgraded to the required configuration using reusable components, and then returned to Boeing for installation on a new fuselage. A new Rolls-Royce -408 engine, an APG-65 radar and a forward-looking infrared radar also will be installed.

The Harrier II Plus was developed through a three-nation agreement among the United States, Spain and Italy. Under the agreement, the U.S. Marine Corps procured 27 Harrier II Plus aircraft, the Italian navy 16, and the Spanish navy eight. Seventy-two day-attack Harrier IIs currently in the U.S. fleet are being converted to the more capable Harrier II Plus configuration. The Spanish navy has accumulated more than 56,270 flight hours in the Harrier. The two initial remanufactured Harrier II Plus aircraft are scheduled for completion in July 2003.