Elbit Systems To Upgrade US Marine Corps’ Attack Helicopter Fleet

Elbit systems announced Sunday that its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, has been awarded two contracts, totaling $20.1 million, to support the U.S. upgrade of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Bell AH-1W attack helicopter fleet.

The first contract, in the amount of $11.6 million, calls for Elbit Systems of America to provide helmet display tracker system (HDTS) kits on the aircraft.

The HDTS significantly improves flight safety by providing crew members greater situational awareness with enhanced night vision, weapons sighting and weapons control capabilities. The contract will be performed over a two-year period.

The second contract, in the amount of $8.5 million, will add tactical video data link (TVDL) technology to the helicopters. TVDL provides aircrew information needed to detect, identify and quickly respond to threats. The information can be received via on-board sensors or from external sources such as ground troops or other aircraft. 

The contract will be performed over a fifteen-month period.

“The HDTS and TVDL are two more technologies Elbit Systems of America is deploying with the singular end result of saving lives”, said Elbit Systems of America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz.

“The AH-1W is on the front lines in the battle against those who wish to harm America. These new technologies give our Marines capabilities and a level of safety never before experienced." 

This is the latest in several contracts given to the defense company. In March, Elbit Systems signed a three-year deal to provide electronics for an unnamed European country.