Company Will Provide Tactical Video Data Link For AH-1W

Elbit Systems of America said Wednesday it has been awarded a contract from NAVAIR to provide Tactical Video Data Link (TVDL) for the USMC AH-1W Attack Helicopter. The contract effort covers the development, production and installation of retrofit kits to incorporate TVDL into the AH-1W platform. Elbit Systems of America will be assisted in the effort by subcontractors Tadiran Spectralink and Service Support Associates Inc. (SSAI). Elbit Systems of America was chosen based upon the previously successful flight demonstration of TVDL in June 2008 at Patuxent River NAS, Maryland. The program is valued at approximately US$15.6 million and will be performed through 2010 including installation into fleet helicopters.

Elbit Systems of America President and CEO, Raanan Horowitz commented on the award: "Elbit Systems of America is pleased to provide this tactical video capability to the USMC AH-1W team. The TVDL will enable critically needed interoperability with other aircraft, ground forces and UAS. It will greatly enhance situational awareness and dissemination of valuable sensor information to the war-fighter."

The TVDL will provide US Marine Corps helicopter pilots with live UAS video and targeting information combined with the ability to retransmit this video and/or on board sensor video to other aircraft or and ground forces. The TVDL system weight is less than 8.5 lbs. The systems are planned to be operational in USMC fleet helicopters by the end of FY2010.

FMI: www.elbitsystems.com