Boeing has accepted delivery of the first Aluminum Launch Support Structure (ALSS) produced by Danish Aerotech A/S for ship-based deployment of the Harpoon weapon system. The Karup-based supplier received the contract, valued at nearly US$1.5 million, two years ago.

"Danish Aerotech is proud to deliver its first Harpoon launch support structure on cost and on schedule," said Danish Aerotech CEO Jan Jorgensen.

"We have worked closely with Boeing to qualify our production line and increase our manufacturing capabilities. It has been an insightful and strategically valuable process as we pursue future business opportunities in this field."

"Danish Aerotech has been and remains an important partner to Boeing," said Tom Bell, vice president of Strategy and Business Capture for Boeing Defense, Space and Security. "With the ALSS, it has once again proven its capabilities, building on a history of working with Boeing and other subcontractors beginning with the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System."

The ALSS is a welded aluminum structure measuring approximately 3 meters long by 3.5 meters tall by 2 meters wide (about 10 by 11 by 7 feet) fully assembled, and weighing nearly 900 kg (about 1 ton).

Once welded, the structure is machined to finite tolerances, thoroughly inspected for cracks using fluorescent-penetrant inspection methods, painted, and assembled using optical-alignment tools.

The Harpoon weapon system provides accurate long-range guidance for both land-strike and anti-ship missions. The Harpoon Block II is produced at Boeing facilities in St. Charles, Mo. Boeing has delivered more than 7,300 Harpoon missiles to the United States and 30 international military customers, including the Royal Danish Navy.

Boeing and Danish Aerotech signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 to pursue opportunities including the provision of long-term logistics support for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet - if the Royal Danish Air Force selects the Super Hornet as its New Combat Aircraft when it reopens the competition - and partnering on Performance-Based Logistics programs for long-term support of other aircraft.

Danish Aerotech is a civil defense and aerospace company specializing in the development, production, installation and support of mechanical, electrical and electronic parts and components for aircraft, helicopters, missiles and targeting systems, as well as maintenance, modifications and integration of aircraft, missiles and associated components.