Elbit Systems' subsidiary El-Op is to supply laser obstacle detection and warning systems for Israeli air force helicopters. The Laser Obstacle Ranging & Display (LORD) system is an eye-safe laser radar which fast-scans a 30° x 30° area in front of the helicopter to detect and warn of cables and other obstacles out to 700m. Canada's CMC Electronics has won a German air force contract to supply avionics management systems for a Panavia Tornado strike fighter mid-life upgrade. Potentially the deal will be worth C$20 million ($12.6 million), and cover 300 aircraft. Northrop Grumman has received a $20 million contract via BAE Systems Australia to provide laser-augmented AAQ-24 (V) directional infrared countermeasures systems for Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics is to supply dual head-up displays for more than 500 US Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130s to be upgraded under the Boeing-led Avionics Modernisation Programme. The initial $11 million contract covers 16 shipsets for delivery beginning in October next year, with production expected to be worth more than $100 million. Bell-Boeing has received $5.7 million to cover long-term storage of 19 MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors at Bell's Amarillo, Texas, plant until configuration changes enabling a safe return to operational flight have been developed and implemented. Derco Aerospace is to supply onboard oxygen generating systems (OBOGS) for two Royal Netherlands Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130Hs now being upgraded. Belgium is upgrading its 11C-130s with OBOGS, which reduces maintenance and enhances safety. Alliant Techsystems has been selected as sole-source producer of the precision proximity sensor for the Joint Direct Attack Munition and other air-delivered ordnance, and received the first of a potential $75 million in production contracts from the USAir Force.
Source: Flight International
