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Elbit Systems announced that its US subsidiary has secured a contract with Raytheon to support the Multi-Spectral Targeting System used in armed unmanned aerial systems, like the MQ-9 Reaper series to be operated by the RAAF.
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Elbit will provide the Two Color Laser System (TCLS) to support Raytheon's Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS). The TCLS is a production component within the electro-optical surveillance system for multiple military airborne platforms, including the next-generation targeting systems onboard unmanned aerial vehicles.
Raanan Horowitz, president and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, said, "The Two Color Laser System provides increased targeting accuracy and flexibility, minimising the potential for collateral damage."
Raytheon's MTS system is a combat proven platform with nearly 4 million operational flight hours. The MTS product family of sensors, including Compact MTS, MTS-A, MTS-B, MTS-C, and MTS-D (AN/DAS-4), provide detailed intelligence data from the visual and infrared spectrum in support of US military, civilian and allied missions around the world.
This advanced electro-optical/infrared system provides long-range surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, range finding and laser designation for the Griffin missile and Paveway laser-guided bomb, as well as all tri-service and NATO laser-guided munitions.
MTS sensors feature multiple fields of view, electronic zoom and multimode video tracking and were designed to incorporate future growth options and performance enhancements.
"These attributes are key to US warfighters who depend on these systems for a successful mission," Horowitz said.
Financial details of the contract were not disclosed by Elbit Systems, which noted "the initial contract is in an amount not material to" it.
Raytheon has delivered more than 3,000 MTS sensors to US and international armed forces and successfully integrated 44 variants of the system on more than 20 rotary-wing, unmanned aerial system and fixed-wing platforms – including the MH-60 Blackhawk, the C-130 Hercules, the MQ-9C Reaper, the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle.
As part of AIR 7003, Australia has announced that it will partner with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to deliver a variant of the company's MQ-9 Reaper series of medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft as the basis for Australia's future armed unmanned aerial system fleet, which benefit from Raytheon's MTS sensor suite.
Elbit Systems is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
