Elbit Systems U.S. Subsidiary Awarded Contracts to Upgrade Marine Corps AH-1W Attack Helicopter
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, May 18, 2014 – Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, Ltd., has been awarded two contracts, totaling $14.1 million, supporting the U.S. Marine Corps’ upgrade of their Bell AH-1W attack helicopter fleet.
One contract, in the amount of $11.6 million, calls for Elbit Systems of America to provide helmet display tracker system (HDTS) kits on the aircraft. The HDTS significantly improves flight safety by providing crewmembers greater situational awareness with enhanced night vision, weapons sighting, and weapons control capabilities. Additional HDTS capabilities include improved safety in degraded visual environments, such as brown out, fog or weather-related conditions. Using 3D symbology and geological digital terrain information, HDTS provides pilots visual approach and drift cues so they know where they are in relation to the ground and obstacles. The contract will be performed over a 2–year period.
The second contract, in the amount of $2.5 million, will add tactical video data link (TVDL) technology to the helicopters. TVDL provides aircrew information needed to detect, identify and quickly respond to threats. The information can be received via on-board sensors or from external sources such as ground troops or other aircraft. Additionally, the information can be communicated back and forth, so all forces in a given area, on the ground or in the air, will have the same intelligence data when making mission-critical tactical decisions. The contract will be performed over a 15-month period.
“The HDTS and TVDL are two more technologies Elbit Systems of America is deploying with the singular end result of protecting and saving lives,” said Elbit Systems of America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz. “The AH-1W is on the front lines in the battle against those who wish to harm America. These new technologies give our Marines capabilities and a level of safety never before experienced.”
About Elbit Systems of America, LLC
Elbit Systems of America is a leading provider of high performance products and system solutions focusing on the commercial aviation, defense, homeland security, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT), a global electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: www.elbitsystems-us.com.
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence ("SIGINT") systems, data links and communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
For additional information, visit: www.elbitsystems.com or follow us on Twitter.
