General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America Form Joint Venture to Provide Tactical UAVs to U.S. Market
May 15 2009 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and FORT WORTH, Texas, May 15
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical
Products and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, have formed a new
company named UAS Dynamics, LLC, to provide unmanned aerial systems
(UAS) to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other potential U.S.
government customers through programs such as the recently
announced U.S. Marine Corps' Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft
System (STUAS)/Tier II program. The solutions that UAS Dynamics
will offer are based on advanced, mature UAS designs that have
accumulated more than 150,000 operational flight hours to date: the
combat-proven Hermes(R) and Skylark(R) systems, developed and
fielded by Elbit Systems Ltd. UAS Dynamics will adapt those proven
designs to incorporate new technologies that use U.S. engineering,
technology, manufacturing and logistics resources to rapidly field
and satisfy evolving U.S. requirements. The new platforms will fill
current and future operational gaps allowing Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that range in
size and scope from hand-held and tactical level systems to medium
altitude, long-endurance level systems. "UAS Dynamics is an
American company positioned to address U.S. defense requirements
with operationally proven systems that have been modified,
manufactured and supported locally," said Doug Tobiassen, president
of UAS Dynamics. "We are proud to combine General Dynamics' systems
integration and program management expertise with the proven UAS
technology that Elbit Systems of America brings to the table," he
continued. Tobiassen was formerly the senior director of program
management for advanced programs at General Dynamics Armament and
Technical Products. He brings 35 years of experience in the defense
industry to his new role. Paul Keller, currently at Elbit Systems
of America, will serve as the executive vice president of UAS
Dynamics and brings 30 years of experience to the position. "The
advanced capabilities of the Hermes(R) and Skylark(R) UASs have
been proven in operations worldwide," stated Raanan Horowitz,
president and chief executive officer of Elbit Systems of America.
"These systems were delivered on an accelerated schedule to support
urgent operational requirements of allied forces and are proving to
be a tremendous value to operations and mission-effectiveness in
conflict areas." "We are proud to join forces with General Dynamics
Armament and Technical Products in order to make advanced
technology and operationally-proven UASs available to the U.S.
warfighter," Horowitz said. The joint venture is equally owned by
General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America and will be located
in Fort Mill, S.C. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products
is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD). It is located in
Charlotte, N.C., and provides a broad range of system solutions for
military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops
and produces high-performance weapon and armament systems,
defensive armor, countermeasure systems, and aerospace composite
solutions, as well as off-road axle and suspension systems. It is
also a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection
systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and
Technical Products can be found on the Internet at
http://www.gdatp.com/. Elbit Systems of America is a leading
provider of high performance products and system solutions focusing
on the commercial aviation, defense, homeland security and medical
instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United
States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those
who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United
States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC, is wholly owned by Elbit
Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT), a global electronics company engaged in
a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial
applications. Elbit Systems Ltd., is an international defense
electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related
programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit
Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace,
land and naval systems, command, control, communications,
computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"),
unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics,
electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems,
ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and
radios. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing
military platforms and developing new technologies for defense,
homeland security and commercial aviation applications. Elbit
Systems of America and other trademarks, service marks and logos
are registered or unregistered marks of Elbit Systems of America
companies in the United States and in foreign countries. Copyright
(C) 2009 Elbit Systems of America. All rights reserved. DATASOURCE:
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; Elbit Systems of
CONTACT: Gail Warner of General Dynamics Armament and Technical
Products, +1-704-714-8014, ; or Tarrah LeDoux of Elbit Systems of
America, +1-603-886-2269, Web Site: http://www.gdatp.com/
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