Boeing, U.S. Navy in talks about stretching EA-18G jet production | Reuters: The U.S. Navy on Friday saidit was in talks with Boeing Co about slowing productionof its EA-18G electronic attack jets to keep the St. Louisfacility running through the end of 2017, after Congressapproved funding for 15 more planes.
The Navy is seeking to modify Boeing's existing contract forEA-18G jets, or Growlers, and F/A-18 Super Hornets to add theextra jets funded by Congress in the fiscal 2015 U.S. budget,said Rob Koon, spokesman for the Navy's Naval Air SystemsCommand.
President Obama on Tuesday signed the fiscal 2015 spendingbill into law. It includes $1.46 billion for 15 more Growlers,and up to $100 million to cover the cost of slowing the currentproduction rate from three to two aircraft a month.
By building two jets a month instead of three, Boeing willbe able to stretch jet orders through the end of 2017,preserving the tooling and jobs associated with the line for aslong as possible.
