Snell

In this case we decide whether the evidence establishes as a matter of law that the government “approved reasonably precise specifications” entitling a government contractor to immunity under the military contractor defense.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

This is a wrongful death action brought by plaintiffs Dorothy Snell and other members of the families of three individuals (collectively “Snell”) who perished in the crash of a Marine Corps UH-1N helicopter. Named as defendants are Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (“Bell”), the manufacturer of the helicopter, and the manufacturers of certain component parts. The complaint alleges defects in the design and manufacture of the drive shaft and component parts and asserts claims for strict product liability, negligence and breach of warranty. Bell moved for summary judgment based on the military contractor defense. After further discovery, the district court granted the motion on all claims. Following dismissal of the other defendants, the court entered judgment for Bell and Snell *-838 appealed. The district court had subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332 , and we have appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 .…