EDGEWOOD, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (NYSE American: CVU) today announced that its Welding Metallurgy, Inc. subsidiary (WMI) has been awarded $1.23 million in new requirements for aerial refueling probe assemblies from Northrop Grumman for new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (E-2D) aircraft. The probe assembly is a long, welded tube assembly that enables a U.S. Air Force or Navy tanker aircraft to provide fuel to the E-2D while in flight. WMI manufactured several probe assemblies during the system test phase, and the refuellable version of the E-2D flew for the first time in December 2016 with a probe assembly manufactured by WMI.

“The E-2D’s refueling capability is transformational, allowing the aircraft to effectively double the time it can stay in the air conducting surveillance and performing its battle management command and control mission. We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue manufacturing this critical component of the E-2D inflight refueling system and bringing WMI’s superior technical and unique production capabilities to bear in support of Northrop Grumman’s commitment to providing the E-2D with increased operational capability,” stated Douglas McCrosson, president and CEO of CPI Aero.

About CPI Aero

CPI Aero is a U.S. manufacturer of structural assemblies for fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance pod systems in both the commercial aerospace and national security markets. Within the global aerostructure supply chain, CPI Aero is either a Tier 1 supplier to aircraft OEMs or a Tier 2 subcontractor to major Tier 1 manufacturers. CPI also is a prime contractor to the U.S. Department of Defense, primarily the Air Force. In conjunction with its assembly operations, CPI Aero provides engineering, program management, supply chain management, and MRO services. CPI Aero is included in the Russell Microcap® Index.