CPI Awarded Contract for Components on AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. ("CPI Aero®") (NYSE MKT: CVU) announced today that it has received an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, for the manufacture of engine cowl assemblies and support assemblies for the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. The contract has a potential value of $14.8 million based on the estimated order quantity during the period of performance, ending December 31, 2020. CPI Aero has manufactured such assemblies for the AH-1Z Viper since 2011 totaling $6.8 million in orders.

The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter used by the United States Marine Corps. The AH-1Z program reached initial operational capability in September 2010 and began full-rate production in December 2010. In May 2016, Bell Helicopter was awarded a contract including 16 AH-1Z helicopters. This contract is part of the Marine Corps' H-1 Program of Record which calls for the acquisition of a total of 189 AH-1Z "Viper" attack helicopters and 160 UH-1Y "Venom" utility helicopters.

CPI Aero President & CEO, Douglas J. McCrosson, stated, "This follow-on contract illustrates the success of our strategy to secure strong positions within key national security programs such as the AH-1Z, and then follow through with exceptional program execution. It is extremely satisfying that our focus on quality, value and customer service has resulted in CPI Aero continuing this work into the next decade."

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is among the world's most lethal anti-armor attack helicopter, capable of carrying the widest array of ordnance of any helicopter in the world. Target identification is crucial in the modern battlefield, and the Bell AH-1Z's Target Sight System provides the longest visual range and highest accuracy of any attack helicopter sight available, as it allows the operators of the AH-1Z to identify and track multiple targets outside the enemy's ability to visually detect the Viper. Unlike other attack helicopters, the AH-1Z Viper has integrated air-to-air strike capability in addition to superior air-to-ground anti-armor performance. This capability set makes the AH-1Z the ideal platform to meet the requirements of land warfare scenarios in any of the potential hot spots around the world.