国际英语新闻：Boeing wins multi-billion war-plane contract from U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. defense company Boeing said on Tuesday it has won a contract worth 5.297 billion dollars to supply the Navy 124 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fighters.

Under the agreement, Boeing will deliver 66 Super Hornets and 58 Growlers to the Navy from 2012 through 2015, according to a company statement.

The new contract is the third multi-year agreement between Boeing and the Navy for production of the F/A-18E/F, the Navy's frontline strike fighter, which delivers forward-deployed air combat capability around the world from the decks of 11 Navy aircraft carriers, including ongoing missions in Afghanistan.

The EA-18G, the newest U.S. combat aircraft, conducts advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) missions to support Navy and joint force requirements. It is scheduled for its first combat deployment later this year.

"Boeing and its Hornet Industry Team suppliers have delivered every Super Hornet and Growler on schedule ... and on budget ... from the first Super Hornet delivery," said Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs Vice President Kory Mathews.

Boeing delivered 210 Super Hornets to the Navy under the first such contract, which spanned fiscal years 2000 through 2004. Boeing was then awarded a second such contract that included aircraft procurement during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. Aircraft deliveries under that contract continue through 2011 and total 257 aircraft.