Very Large Displays, For A Very Important Helicopter

Representatives with Smiths Aerospace told ANN Wednesday the company has been awarded the contract to supply the new large area cockpit display system for the Lockheed Martin VH-71 Presidential helicopter, in a contract worth more than $20 million.

The first VH-71 ready to transport the President is expected to be available in 2009, with the entire fleet of 23 delivered to the Marine One squadron by late 2014. The displays will be manufactured by Smiths in Michigan and United Kingdom, with deliveries beginning in 2006.

"The VH-71 marks the first time a helicopter has flown with a five-screen, large area integrated cockpit display suite," commented Dr. John Ferrie, President, Smiths Aerospace. "Smiths is delighted to provide this technology for enhanced situational awareness and display of flight data on the Presidential helicopter."

Smiths and AgustaWestland successfully completed the engine flight trials on CIV01 (civilian version of the EH101) helicopter equipped with prototypes of the new Smiths display system in 2005.

Smiths says its 10" x 8" liquid crystal displays provide more than 70-percent additional display area compared to its existing display system, which it replaces from the EH101. The system allows for variable display formats to present enhanced situational awareness and greater flexibility in the display of flight, system and mission data. Each display unit has multi-functional bezel mounted keys to easily select information required.

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 11,000 employees and $2 billion revenues globally. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and customer services.

FMI: www.smiths-aerospace.com