Vertex Aerospace was awarded a $111.4m CMMARS task order for the RESET of the CH-53E Super Stallion fleet. Credit: PRNewsfoto/Vertex Aerospace/NAVAIR.

Vertex Aerospace has received a $111.4m task order for the RESET of the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) CH-53E Super Stallion fleet.

The contracted maintenance, modification, aircrew, and related services (CMMARS) task order comes with one base year and four option years.

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The task order has been awarded by the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

In June, four CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft completed an extensive maintenance process, called RESET.

Vertex president and CEO Ed Boyington said: “Vertex has been privileged to hold prime seats on contract vehicles and managed complex aircraft modification task orders for over 50 years.

“We’re honoured to continue this opportunity to support the improvement of our nation’s defence capabilities while alleviating pressure on the fleet squadrons.”

Since April 2016, the company’s Aerospace Defense Services (ADS) department has supported the CH-53E RESET programme, which was a major part of the Regional Aviation Sustainment Manager – East contract.

Under the US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) contract vehicle, the formal order for the RESET programme was given to the Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (IRTC) in 2018.

Since it was awarded the contract, Vertex has supported the programme as an IRTC subcontractor.

Since 2016, the company has delivered 23 RESET CH-53E aircraft, which accounts for 16% of the existing Super Stallion fleet.

As per the contracting programme office, the RESET efforts of Vertex have reduced the average flight hour cost of the completed RESET aircraft by $5,900.

This reduces the operating costs of these aircraft by 45.73% and the direct maintenance man-hours (DMMH) by 39%.

Vertex ADS senior vice-president and general manager Richard Caputo added: “Vertex’s selection as the prime contractor for this programme is a win for everyone involved.

“We’re proud of our RESET accomplishments to date and look forward to continuing the restoration effort, offering proven efficiencies for both cost reduction and reduced turnaround times.”