SAN JOSE, Calif., (Nov. 24, 2010) - Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI), a leader in advanced Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology, along with Elbit Systems of America, LLC (ESA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., joined the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group in a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 18 to celebrate the activation of depot repair capability for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) prime mission equipment at Robins Air Force Base.

This public/private partnership will ensure a continuous flow of serviceable assets to the war fighter for continued mission capability and weapon systems reliability. The continued operational availability and reliability of the JHMCS system is critical to U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy war fighters as well as Foreign Military partners around the world. VSI and its public partner, the 567th Electronics Maintenance Squadron, will perform depot level repairs and certifications of JHMCS components. The JHMCS electronic unit repair capability is currently online and active, with serviceable units being delivered to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy supply chains.  

For the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Colonel Victoria Reed, Commander 402nd EMXG was joined by Raanan Horowitz, President and CEO of ESA, Drew Brugal, President of VSI, Kurt Huff, Vice President ESA Services and Support Solutions, and Ron Buck, Program Manager of the JHMCS Aerospace Sustainment Directorate.

“The opening of this Robins Depot marks a major milestone in the JHMCS program and will facilitate rapid repair of JHMCS assets. This partnership ensures that JHMCS will continue to provide our war fighters with unmatched situational awareness, operational advantage and mission ready assets for years to come,” Brugal stated.

“Elbit Systems of America is pleased to commemorate the beginning of a strong partnership that is the result of the collaborative efforts and dedication of many people,” added Horowitz.

The JHMCS provides the pilot with “first look, first shot” high off-boresight weapons engagement capabilities. The system enables the pilot to accurately cue onboard weapons and sensors against enemy aircraft and ground targets without the need to aggressively turn the aircraft or place the target in the Head-up Display field-of-view for designation. Critical information and symbology, such as targeting cues and aircraft performance parameters, are graphically displayed directly on the pilot’s visor.

Founded in 1996, VSI is a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: ESLT) and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL).  VSI develops, manufactures and supports and is a leading supplier of fixed-wing HMDs worldwide. VSI has produced over 4,000 JHMCS helmet systems for the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. In addition to JHMCS, VSI is under contract to deliver the advanced HMD for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) to the U.S. Navy and is producing the Targo™ HMD for trainers, light attack and military airlift. VSI also produces the Display And Sight Helmet (DASH) Generation IV HMD under multiple contracts.