Elbit Systems to Equip IAF Blackhawk and CH 53 Helicopters With Helmet Mounted Systems

HAIFA, Israel -- Elbit Systems Ltd. announces it has been awarded a contract to supply ANVIS/HUD systems for the Israeli Air Force Blackhawk ("Yanshuf") and CH 53 ("Yasur") helicopters. The project is scheduled to be completed within 2009.

The new Head-up Display systems will enable the helicopter pilot to fly "head out of the cockpit," day and night, while having all the flight data projected onto the helmet. This feature allows the pilot to ensure high situational awareness and safety. The systems' contribution to flight safety is mostly significant in extreme night and weather conditions, in operational flights and during low visibility landings (LVL).

This is the first time Elbit Systems is implementing the new ANVIS/HUD feature Line of Sight (LOS) for use in utility helicopters. This feature allows correlation with the pilot's line of sight and designation of waypoints on the navigation system in real-time, such as targets, threats, and intelligence. The system improves pilot coordination by allowing each crew member to track the other's line of sight and lessen the need for verbal communication between the crew.

"We see the Israeli Ministry of Defense as a key client, and we are very proud of being able to contribute to the safety and air superiority of Israel Air Force pilots," says Yoram Shmueli, Joint General Manager of Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division.