Hughes Gets $9-Million Radar Systems Contract

Hughes Aircraft Co. was awarded a $9-million contract to supply radar systems to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The work will be performed by one of the company’s units at the Hughes plant in Fullerton, which is shutting down, unit by unit, throughout this year.

This contract is too small to affect Hughes’ companywide downsizing or its decision to shut the Fullerton plant. But Hughes spokesman Dan Reeder called the contract an important steppingstone in the company’s plan to expand into the civilian market.

The company also anticipates demand from international buyers interested in similar and related equipment to track ships in harbors and on the open sea.