Elbit Systems to equip newly developed Korean Helicopters with advanced helmet mounted systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) announced it was awarded a contract to supply advanced helmet mounted systems for the Korean Army's Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) program.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will supply the prime contractor, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), with the advanced helmet mounted display systems, as part of the Korean Army's extensive programme for the development and manufacture of some 250 tactical transport helicopters.

Elbit Systems contract, is for an initial quantity of helicopters to be delivered during 2009-2010. The current contract amount is not material to Elbit Systems, but there is future potential for the equipment of all 250 helicopters under the current program, as well as additional helicopter equipment programs.

Elbit Systems' advanced helmet mounted systems were selected over systems offered by other leading companies in the helmet mounted systems field.

Yoram Shmuely, Co-General Manager of Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division, said: "We are very pleased to be selected by KAI for one of the largest and most prestigious helicopter programs in recent years. The selection of our systems reflects their quality and maturity. This selection is important to us since the Korean Army is considered among the world's most advanced and modern armies. We believe this selection will lead to further head-up display projects in Korea and worldwide." Elbit Systems' advanced head-up display systems will enable the helicopter pilot to fly "head out of the cockpit", having all the flight data projected onto the helmet. This feature is crucial as it allows the pilot to perform missions successfully, ensuring high situational awareness and safety. Furthermore, the Line of Sight (LOS) 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.