AEL Industries Receives $3.4 Million Award for Night Vision Systems

Strategic Insights -

AEL Industries, a leading supplier of electronic defense systems and subsystems, has received a significant award from the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) for the development and manufacture of Advanced Aviators' Night Vision Head-Up Display (ANVIS/HUD) equipment. This cutting-edge technology combines night vision goggles with computer-generated graphic and digital symbology to provide pilots with critical information needed for safe operation of aircraft. The contract, valued at approximately $70 million, includes the delivery of over 1,800 shipsets, with the potential for up to 3,000 shipsets over the next five years.

Key Takeaways:

  • AEL Industries has received a $3.4 million award from the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) for 60 ANVIS/HUD A and B kits and system spares.
  • The ANVIS/HUD equipment will be used on the CH-46E, MH-60K, and MH-47E aircraft, with the software development for the latest aircraft platforms.
  • The contract calls for the manufacture of ANVIS/HUD devices and helicopter modification kits for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
  • The night vision system incorporates an advanced electro-optical capability that combines the image seen by a helicopter pilot and co-pilot with computer-generated graphic and digital symbology.
  • Elbit Computer of Haifa, Israel, the original developer of this system for the Israeli Air Force, is a major subcontractor on this program.
  • The program has the potential of requiring up to 3,000 shipsets for use on eight different types of helicopters over the next five years.
  • AEL is actively pursuing the international market for these systems, including efforts to adapt the night vision system to fixed-wing aircraft.
  • The company is also exploring various commercial applications for its technologies in the CATV and cellular industries.

Statistics:

  • The current contract value is approximately $70 million for the delivery of over 1,800 shipsets.
  • The potential contract value could exceed $100 million if all 3,000 shipsets are required over the next five years.
  • The U.S. Marine Corps KC-130T and CH-53E, as well as the U.S. Navy HH-60H aircraft, have already been added to the list of aircraft using the ANVIS/HUD system.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, "AEL Industries Announces Receipt of $3.4 Million Award from U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command"
  • [No additional sources listed in the original text]