FORT WAYNE, Ind. (March 26, 2008) - Governor Mitch Daniels and executives from the U.S. Army's Aviation and Missile Command joined executives from global defense and aerospace developer BAE Systems today to celebrate the delivery of the company's 10,000th engine controller for the Army's AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The controller, which regulates fuel flow and a host of other flight-critical functions, is a key component of the Army's aviation systems, which are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe.

"For decades, BAE and the defense industry in Indiana have created revolutionary technologies that protect our service members on the battlefield and create good-paying livelihoods for families from Fort Wayne to Bloomfield," Daniels said.

BAE Systems, the third largest global defense company, employs more than 800 associates in Fort Wayne and manufactures electronics for both defense and commercial applications. It began manufacturing the controller for the Army in 1989 at the Fort Wayne facility.

"The delivery of the 10,000th T700 engine control is a significant achievement in support of our armed forces," said Bob Hoffman, BAE Systems site executive in Fort Wayne. "Building and supporting this vital system is a source of great pride for our Fort Wayne employees, and we are honored to be recognized on this occasion."

(From BAE Press Release)