October 5, 2008
Elbit Systems of America Enhanced Flight Vision System First Approved System for Operational Credit in Europe
Merrimack, NH - Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) is pleased to announce that European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Authorities have approved the second generation Elbit Systems of America Kollsman Enhanced Vision System (EVS II) for new operational credit in low visibility conditions. EVS II allows pilots to see through weather, by displaying an infra-red sensor image on a Head-Up-Display (HUD) and operate as if it were natural vision. The Elbit Systems of America Kollsman EVS II was the first to be certified after EASA passed a general rule under EU-OPS rule 1.430(h), providing a 1/3 visibility credit to any aircraft using an approved EFVS for instrument approach procedures regardless if the aircraft is a business jet or an airliner.
With the Elbit Systems of America Kollsman EVS II on board, aircraft can proceed to land in visibility that is 1/3 less than the requirement for other aircraft. This is generally equated to the parallel FAA Rule in which aircraft can proceed to 100 feet Height Above Touchdown (HAT) before seeing with the human eye, greatly increasing the aircraft’s operational flexibility and chance of successful landing at the desired airport. This change also allows US operators equipped with the Kollsman EVS II flying in and out of Europe to take advantage of this same lower landing credit. Anticipated FAA changes for Part 121 and 135 operators to harmonize with the new EASA rule are expected soon to support the NextGen implementation.
Elbit Systems of America is a leader of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems, certifying the first ever vision based system, the Kollsman EVS I in 2001. EVS II is lighter, and up to three times more sensitive than EVS I, and is being incorporated in both commercial air transport and corporate aircraft.
Elbit Systems of America, President and Chief Executive Officer, Raanan Horowitz, stated “We continue to focus on innovative vision based technologies. The Kollsman Enhanced Vision System design has won numerous aviation and business awards for pioneering EVS products. Kollsman’s Vision Based Cockpit, which includes the EVS II displayed on a HUD, is a key component of the FAA’s Next Generation Air Traffic System (NGATS). We take pride in our ability to demonstrate our unique, highly integrated technological capabilities and accumulated experience enhancing safety and growth within the aviation industry.”
About Elbit Systems of America, LLC
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.
About Elbit Systems Ltd
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.
Trademarks
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 © 2008 Elbit Systems of America. All rights reserved.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or companies in the Elbit Systems Group, to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current fact. Forward Looking Statements are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Elbit Systems Group operates or sells, including Israel and the United States among others; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd’s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Elbit Systems does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.
For Information Contact:
Kim Cushman
Tel: 603-886-2273
E-mail: kcushman@kollsman.com
