Metronor AS and Saab have signed an agreement for development and adaptation of an electro-optical system for boresight/harmonization of the helmet tracker system for the Saab Gripen Helmet Mounted Display and Sight System. The final approval of the agreement by the Swedish authorities is expected shortly.

During the coming year Metronor will develop and deliver a system for complete 6 degrees of freedom (6-DOF) boresight/harmonization of the Denel helmet tracker system used with the BAE System Helmet Mounted Sight and Display, presently being integrated in the Saab Gripen aircraft. The development will be based on the HarmoLign technology, a boresight/ harmonization system recently developed by Metronor under contract to BAE Systems and, which have proven to meet all expectations both with respect to capacity and life cycle cost. The first system will be used at Saab's production line in Sweden, and the agreement includes options for follow-on deliveries to existing and coming Gripen users.

'The cooperation between Saab and Metronor goes back to the early nineties and Metronor's renown portable coordinate measurement systems are constantly in use at Saab's production line. The fact that we now have been selected to develop and provide a system for direct support of the Gripen aircraft, provides a unique opportunity for us to further develop our HarmoLign boresight/harmonization technology', says Metronor CEO and President, Oeyvind Roetvold.

'The choice of Metronor as provider of the boresight/harmonization system for the Gripen helmet tracker system shows the versatility of Metronor's HarmoLign technology. Through the BAE Systems Hawk program the present HarmoLign system has already proven its capacity and cost effectiveness when it comes to regular 3-DOF boresighting/harmonization of multiple aircraft systems and sensors. The agreement with Saab proves that our technology also is highly competitive when it comes to 6-DOF alignment of systems like the Denel helmet tracker', Errol Henriksen, Vice President for Metronor's Military Business Unit adds.

'The agreement with Metronor is another example of how Norwegian companies are involved in the development of Gripen, especially within the area of the advanced systems that will enable the Gripen to maintain its position as one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. This is good for Norway, Sweden and Gripen', says Hans Rosen, Gripen International and Marketing Director for Gripen in Norway.