L-3 WESCAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has been selected to provide an MX®-15 True HD electro- optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensor to Eurocopter, in support of North Sea Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. Delivery of the turret to Eurocopter for installation upon an EC 225 will take place in 2009.

"The 1080p HD technology in this turret provides more pixels on target which is a necessity with time- sensitive SAR missions." said Paul Jennison, L-3 WESCAM vice president, government sales and business development. "Furthermore, the turret's integrated MCU technology will provide a 25 percent weight reduction, which will increase endurance, enable a faster response times, and free up cabin space for survivors."

In the North Sea, where poor meteorological conditions areoften experienced, the MX-15HD will provide the sharp colors, bold contrasts, clean images and critical detail that only 1080p HD resolution can offer.

Complete with an industry-leading digital IR camera, range magnification and resolution is increased by 20 percent. With Charged Multiplied Night Spotter technology, visibility in haze, fog and smoke is improved. Furthermore, the ability to identify subjects in very low light conditions is increased. Complete with a suite of MX-GEO technology,the combination of GEO-Location, Pointing, Focus and Tracking capabilities will support operators in providing tracking assistance and in determining accurate subject geographical location. This suitewill also reduce operator workload by automatically focusing imagery, even when alternating between sensors. Moving map and searchlight interfaces will also be incorporated.

MX EO/IR turrets used for North Sea SAR applications can be found on the Icelandic and Swedish Coast Guards' Dash-8 Q300's, Norway's P-3's, the United Kingdoms interim SAR platforms – S-92® and AW139, and the United Kingdom's Nimrod.