Elettronica and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Generating a Joint Laser-Based DIRCM Product
June 21 2007 - 8:36AM
PR Newswire (US)
PARIS, June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Elbit Systems Ltd.
(NASDAQ: ESLT) announced today that its subsidiary Elbit Systems
Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (Elop) and Elettronica S.p.A.
(Elettronica) have agreed to cooperate and complete the joint
development of advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measures)
systems intended to protect helicopters and wide-bodied aircraft
from low altitude attack by shoulder-mounted heat-seeking missiles.
The agreement builds on the abundant experience of both companies
in infra-red countermeasures. Elettronica was an early pioneer in
the field, which it explored beginning in the 1980s. Serving as the
Israel Government's Center for Excellence for Electro-Optics
Applications, Elop provides advanced electro-optic digital
technologies for both military and space applications. DIRCM
systems are intended primarily to protect helicopters, and larger
fixed-wing aircraft during their take-off and landing phases,
against the so-called portable heat-seeking missiles. These arms,
beyond their combat applications, are considered to pose a
potential terrorist risk for civilian aviation as well. Elettronica
and Elop will jointly offer defense solutions based on "MUSIC(R)",
the world's most advanced laser-based DIRCM protection system,
integrating fiber laser technology with a small, highly dynamic
turret to provide effective, reliable and affordable protection
under all operational conditions. The system can operate with most
types of Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS) and can be
integrated into Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS). The two
companies will offer systems solutions based on the technology for
both military and civilian use. Marketing has begun, with early
deliveries expected by the end of 2008. Elettronica's advanced
self-protection systems have been at the heart of platform defense
on every recent generation of important European combat aircraft -
including the Tornado, Mirage and AMX fighters as well as the EFA
(European Fighter Aircraft), where the solid state EFA-DASS
(Defensive Aids Sub-System) is largely supplied by the company.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company
engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the
world. The Elbit Systems Group, which includes the company and its
subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval
systems, command, control, communications, computes, intelligence
surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), advanced electro-optics
and space technologies, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT
systems, data links and military communications systems and
equipment. The Group also focuses on the upgrading of existing
military platforms and developing new technologies for defense and
homeland security applications. STATEMENTS IN THIS PRESS RELEASE
WHICH ARE NOT HISTORICAL DATA ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH
INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES OR OTHER FACTORS NOT
UNDER THE COMPANY'S CONTROL, WHICH MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS,
PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY
DIFFERENT FROM THE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR OTHER EXPECTATIONS
IMPLIED BY THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FACTORS INCLUDE,
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DETAILED IN THE COMPANY'S PERIODIC
FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. Contacts:
Company Contact: Joseph Gaspar, Corporate VP & CFO Dalia Rosen,
Director of Corporate Communications Elbit Systems Ltd Tel:
+972-4-8316663 Fax: +972-4-8316944 E-mail: IR Contact: Ehud
Helft/Kenny Green G.K. Investor Relations Tel: +1-646-201-9246 Fax:
+972-3-607-4711 E-mail: DATASOURCE: Elbit Systems Ltd CONTACT:
Contacts: Company Contact: Joseph Gaspar, Corporate VP & CFO,
Dalia Rosen, Director of Corporate Communications, Elbit Systems
Ltd, Tel: +972-4-8316663, Fax: +972-4-8316944, E-mail: , ; IR
Contact: Ehud Helft/Kenny Green, G.K. Investor Relations, Tel:
+1-646-201-9246, Fax: +972-3-607-4711, E-mail:
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