Sikorsky and Elbit Systems Sign a Teaming Agreement for the Conversion of Black Hawk Helicopters to Armed Reconnaissance Applications
HAIFA, Israel---Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it has signed a teaming agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, CT, for the upgrading and conversion of Black Hawk helicopters to armed reconnaissance and attack applications. Under the agreement Elbit Systems will provide the Helmet Mounted Display, Targeting Sensor, Stores Management Computers and other components of the upgraded configuration and will be responsible for the weapons integration. The new version of the Black Hawk helicopters, designated BATTLE HAWK, is currently being offered by Sikorsky to the Australian Army's Air 87 armed reconnaissance helicopter program. "Team BATTLE HAWK'', led by Sikorsky is also comprised of other leading technology companies such as General Electric, Rockwell Collins, GIAT and Hamilton Standard. The Elbit Systems' MIDASH (Modular Integrated Display and Sight Helmet) will provide the BATTLE HAWK with the flight and weapons symbology for day and night operations. The Toplite II Targeting Sensor has FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared), day time TV and a Laser Designator and Rangefinder for search and weapon designation. A representation of the BATTLE HAWK helicopter, incorporating the MIDASH helmet and the Toplite II Targeting Sensor, will be displayed at ``Australian International Airshow '99'' which opened today in Avalon, Australia. Sikorsky and Elbit Systems intend to offer Black Hawk helicopter upgrades to other users with an operational requirement of adapting their fleet to attack missions. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a world leader in helicopter design and manufacturing. More than 2400 Black Hawk helicopters supplied by Sikorsky are flown by 25 operators around the world in a range of military applications. Elbit Systems has extensive experience in upgrading helicopters for customers worldwide, such as the Sikorsky CH-53 for the Israeli Air Force and the PUMA helicopter for the Romanian Air Force, as well as in developing advanced avionics for various platforms, such as the Boeing Osprey V-22, the Israeli Air Force Panther naval helicopter, and other numerous types of helicopters in the U.S., Israel and worldwide.
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Sikorsky and Elbit Systems Sign a Teaming Agreement for the Conversion of Black Hawk Helicopters to Armed Reconnaissance Applications
