AAR sells helicopter loading systems

AAR Corp. said Thursday it has signed a new contract with the U.S. Army to provide 75 cargo handling systems for the CH-47 "Chinook" helicopter.

The Wood Dale-based company is not disclosing the value of the contract, said Chris Mason, AAR's director of corporate communications.

The systems will be manufactured by AAR's cargo systems division in Goldsboro, N.C., for delivery between October and April 2010, the company said. The contract gives the Army two "option years" during which it can order another 75 systems per year. In August, the Army ordered 25 of AAR's CH-47 cargo systems.

AAR provides products and services to the aviation and aerospace industry in both the commercial and defense sectors, including airplane maintenance, landing gear and mobile troop shelters.

Separately, AAR announced Monday the completion of its $65 million cash purchase of Summa Technology Inc. The Huntsville, Ala., company designs and produces components for the defense, aerospace, and commercial manufacturing industries, including parts for space shuttles, cruise missiles and military vehicles.