Elbit to Supply TVDL Systems for USMC AH-1W Helicopter

AH-1W, hard left
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Elbit Systems of America, a Fort Worth, TX-based subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, received a $15.6 million contract from US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to supply Tactical Video Data Link (TVDL) systems for the US Marine Corps’ AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter.

The TVDL will provide helicopter pilots with live UAV video and targeting information combined with the ability to retransmit UAV and on-board sensor video to other aircraft and ground forces. The TVDL system weighs less than 8.5 lbs. The systems are planned to be operational in USMC AH-1W helicopters by the end of FY 2010…

AH-1W firing TOW
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The AH-1W Super Cobra is a 2-seat, twin-engine, day/night marginal weather USMC attack helicopter that provides en route escort for assault helicopters and their embarked forces. It has air-to-air and anti-radar missile capability.

The primary mission of the AH-1W aircraft is as an armed tactical helicopter capable of close air support, low altitude and high speed flight, target search and acquisition, reconnaissance by fire, multiple weapons fire support, troop helicopter support, and point target attack of threatening armor. The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore.

The contract effort covers the development, production and installation of retrofit kits to incorporate TVDL into the AH-1W platform. Elbit Systems’ subcontractors are Tadiran Spectralink and Service Support Associates Inc. (SSAI).

Elbit Systems conducted a successful flight demonstration of TVDL in June 2008 at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.