VSI awarded JHMCS contracts valued at more than $80 million

Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI), a leader in advanced Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology, has received several new contracts with a total value of more than $80 million.

Awarded contracts include delivery of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to the Boeing Company for U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS), FAst Characterization Tools (FACT®) for the U.S. Navy and JHMCS for other international sales.

Under these production contracts, VSI will provide JHMCS and FACT® hardware, including spares, technical support and ground support equipment for the Full Rate Production - Lot 6 (FRP-6) acquisition. This procurement fulfills U.S. government domestic requirements for the U.S. Navy F/A-18C/D/E/F/G single - and dual-seat platforms, and FMS production and spares commitments to a number of countries operating F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. Deliveries under FRP-6 will commence this year and continue through 2011.

"With the delivery of more than 3,500 systems, JHMCS continues to be the world's premier helmet display for fixed-wing tactical aircraft," says VSI President Drew Brugal. "These contracts include sales to the 21st international customer that has selected JHMCS to enhance the tactical capability of their front line fighters. The system provides the warfighter with unmatched situational awareness throughout the operational profile of the aircraft. By keeping 'eyes out' while viewing all critical information on the helmet visor, the pilot has a significant advantage in both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission execution."

The JHMCS provides the pilot with "first look, first shot" high off-boresight weapons engagement capabilities. The system enables the pilot to accurately cue onboard weapons and sensors against enemy aircraft and ground targets without the need to aggressively turn the aircraft or place the target in the Head Up Display (HUD) field-of-view for designation. Critical information and symbology, such as targeting cues and aircraft performance parameters, are graphically displayed directly on the pilot's visor.

Founded in 1996, VSI is a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT), and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL). VSI develops, manufactures and supports fixed-wing HMDs worldwide and is a leading supplier of fixed-wing HMDs worldwide. VSI has produced over 3,500 JHMCS helmet systems for the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. In addition to JHMCS, VSI is under contract to deliver the advanced HMD for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) to the U.S. Navy and is producing the Targo™ HMD for trainers, light attack and military airlift. VSI also produces the Display And Sight Helmet (DASH) Generation IV HMD under multiple contracts.