L-3 WESCAM to supply Boeing with MX-15 EO/IR imaging sensors for Canadian Forces helicopter program

L-3 WESCAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has been selected by The Boeing Company to supply fifteen digital electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensors for the Canadian Medium-Heavy Lift Helicopter program. The MX-15 EO/IR imaging turrets will be delivered to Boeing between the years 2011-2014, and will be installed on the Canadian Forces' newly acquired Chinook Helicopters.

"WESCAM is very proud to have been selected by Boeing for this key Canadian program," said Paul Jennison, L-3 WESCAM vice president, government sales and business development. "The Canadian Forces will depend on our leading EO/IR technology for this program, as they do for the CP-140 Aurora and INGRESS programs."

WESCAM's MX-15 will enhance overall mission capability, providing immediate situational awareness when Chinook transport missions are underway. WESCAM's MX-15 product line is contains the most technically advanced performance features enabling 25 percent lighter installation weight, increased range performance, an expanded ease-of-use control suite, and full digital image fidelity.

The contract is in line with Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy and is an integral part of Boeing's IRB program associated with the acquisition of the 15 CH-147 medium-to-heavy-lift helicopters for the Canadian Forces.

WESCAM also is currently under contract to Boeing to deliver similar EO/IR capability to the Royal Netherlands Airforce for its CH-47 platform, and the longer range MX-20HD model for the United States Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft program.