Elbit Systems to Supply an Asian Country with Electro-Optical Payloads for Maritime Patrol Aircraft Under Contract Valued at Approximately $20 Million

HAIFA, Israel — Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded a contract to supply an Asian country with dozens of CoMPASS (Compact Multi Purpose Advanced Stabilized System) payloads for maritime patrol aircraft.

The Asian country, which operates one of the largest maritime patrol fleets in the world, has selected the CoMPASS payload as a solution to protect its coastlines. The contract, valued at approximately $20 million, is scheduled to be completed within two years.

The CoMPASS payload, developed and manufactured by Elbit Systems Electro-optics Elop Ltd., is already installed onboard hundreds of platforms including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Belonging to the 15-inch payload family, the CoMPASS includes an advanced thermal imaging system, laser range designator and a day channel, allowing optimal ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) capabilities even in adverse weather conditions. The payload, integrated into the aircraft’s mission systems, such as the maritime patrol radar and the Command and Control systems, provides the crew with enhanced mission capabilities.

Adi Dar, Elop’s General Manager, commented: « We are proud to be selected to perform this project, attesting to the customer’s satisfaction with the high quality and performance of our previously supplied systems. Maritime patrol systems, for both airborne and naval applications, play a vital role in protecting the coastal shores of many countries around the world, and we trust that additional countries will follow in selecting our advanced solutions ». Dar also noted: « Due to the recent increasing demand, Elop has doubled the quantity of payloads manufactured for integration onboard maritime patrol platforms. »

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of 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 aircraft systems (« UAS »), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios.

Embraer, Elbit subsidiary enter UAV market

QADIMA, Israel, April 14 (UPI) — Brazil’s Embraer Defense and Security division and AEL Sistemas, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, are partnering for the UAV market in Latin America.

Defense Update, an Israeli publication, said the two companies have yet to define the specific programs to be pursued, but officials from the two companies said a main goal of the partnering agreement is expanding joint activities in the area of unmanned aircraft systems, including the anticipated creation of a jointly owned company.

One of the primary goals of the joint venture would be to promote the introduction and use of Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 UAV in the service of the Brazilian air force.

« This cooperation with Embraer will leverage new business opportunities and enhance Brazilian know-how in the development and manufacture of unmanned systems, offering latest generation technology in order to meet the specific demands and needs of our country, » said Shlomo Erez, director general of AEL.

« The agreement foresees the evaluation of joint activities in marketing, development, systems integration, manufacturing and support of UAS, as well as in simulators and activities for the modernization of avionics systems, and the anticipated participation of Embraer Defesa e Seguranca in the capital of AEL. »

Embraer also announced a cooperative agreement with Brazil-based UAV specialist company Santos Lab. The agreement is aimed at establishing foothold in the area of small UAVs

Source : UPI

Israeli arms firms target Latin America

TEL AVIV, Israel, April 25 (UPI) — Elbit Systems, one of Israel’s leading defense companies, has won an $85 million contract to upgrade 11 Brazilian air force F-5 fighter-bombers as well as a joint venture with plane maker Embraer to build Israeli-designed unmanned aerial vehicles.

The deals, signed at the Latin American Aerospace and Defense Exhibition LAAS 2011 this month in Rio de Janeiro, underline the Israeli defense industry’s new focus on opening up the Latin American arms market.

Elbit didn’t disclose the value of the contract between its Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas, and Embraer Defense and Security but the deal to develop, manufacture and market Elbit’s Hermes 450 UAV is expected to catapult the Israeli outfit into the regional defense market.

Even before that deal, Elbit had made its mark in Brazil, secured two large defense contracts, including one in January 2010 to supply Hermes 450 surveillance drones to the Brazilian air force.

The Israeli business daily Globes reported that Embraer has a long-standing relationship with AEL, which supplies the avionics for Embraer’s EMB-312 Super Tucano light attack/advanced trainer aircraft and for the F-5M jets Embraer is upgrading for the Brazilian air force.

« We woke up late to globalization and there’s now a need to close gaps and even get ahead of competitors, » declared Itzhak Nissan, chief executive officer of Israel Aerospace Industries, state-owned flagship of Israel’s defense industry.

« We can do this thanks to our portfolio of products in various fields, including satellites, UAVs, missiles and planes. »

IAI unveiled its new intelligence-gathering and observation vehicle, which can travel across difficult terrain, at the Brazilian expo. The vehicle was jointly developed by IAI subsidiary Elta and Brazil’s Tac Motors.

Another Israeli defense major, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems was also at LAAD 2011 and its main display was its Tamir interceptor missile used in the Iran Dome air-defense system. Iron Dome made its combat debut against Hamas rockets unleashed on southern Israel in March.

In recent years, Latin America has emerged as a major defense spender, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which monitors global defense spending, reported in a recent study.

The increase in Latin American defense expenditure in real terms was 5.8 percent in 2010, compared to 5.2 percent for Africa, 2.8 percent for North America and 2.5 percent for the Middle East.

SIPRI said this was due to the strong economic growth Latin America, particularly Brazil and Chile, has experienced in recent years, even though there are no major conflicts in the region.

Globes reported April 7 that Israel’s military exports in 2010 exceeded $7.3 billion, according to provisional figures from defense companies.

That’s expected to hit $7.4 billion when the final tally is completed, equaling the all-time high recorded in 2009, Defense Ministry officials said.

Israel’s military exports have been rising steadily over the last five years. But Defense Ministry officials caution that trend is likely to be reversed in the years ahead because of stiff defense budget cutbacks in Europe and other factors.

So the increased focus on Latin America is intended to compensate for the anticipated downturn in exports.

Nissan of IAI observed that Brazil in particular has opened for Israel because of « new understandings. »

In 2010, Brazil signed a confidentiality agreement with Israel guaranteeing that it won’t transfer classified technology to third parties. That opened the door for Israeli companies to offer some of their most advanced systems.

« The new understandings … will enable Israeli companies to offer products which were previously forbidden, » Nissan said.

« Whereas for years, business ties amounted to sales of specific, unclassified technologies, Israeli industry can now offer a much broader range of products to Brazil, creating a real dimension of worthwhile contracts with this market. »

Israeli defense firms, many of them state-owned, and private security companies have been dealing with Central and South America since the 1970s. Some of these firms have maintained sales of around $500 million annually to Brazil, The Jerusalem Post reported.

In May 2010, IAI won a $350 million contract to supply Brazil’s federal police force with long-range Heron unmanned aerial vehicles. IAI has a $150 million contract, signed in late 2007, to upgrade the Colombian air force’s 24 IAI-built Kfir fighter jets and supply additional aircraft.

Source : UPI

Elbit Systems Awarded a Contract to Supply Soltam’s Artillery Systems

HAIFA, Israel — Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded a contract to supply self-propelled artillery and accompanying systems to an African country. The contract, valued at approximately $24 million, will be performed over the next two years. This is the first contract announcement regarding Soltam Systems Ltd. (« Soltam ») since its recent acquisition by Elbit Systems.

The contract calls for the supply of a complete solution, including Soltam’s ATMOS self-propelled artillery, command stations, observation and target acquisition systems, as well as fire control and command and control systems. In addition, Elbit Systems will manage the training and maintenance during the project’s duration.

Bezalel Machlis, Elbit Systems’ Executive Vice President and General Manager – Land and C4I Division, commented: « This new contract highlights the high synergetic value within our various land activities, allowing us to provide our customers with complete unique solutions, from artillery platforms, to target acquisition systems, through to advanced command and control solutions that connect all of the systems. » Machlis added: « Our integrative solution, combining Soltam’s artillery systems and our range of advanced electronic capabilities, provides a cutting-edge operational solution suitable for the growing trend of a transition to wheeled mobile platforms for artillery. »

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of 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 aircraft systems (« UAS »), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios.

Elbit Systems Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Results

2010 Revenues Amounted to $2,670 million; Net Profit of $183.5 Million and EPS of $4.25; Backlog of Orders Over $5.4 Billion

HAIFA, Israel, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT), the international defense electronics company, reported today its consolidated results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441 )

In this release, the Company is providing its usual US-GAAP results as well as additional non-GAAP financial data, which are intended to provide investors a more comprehensive understanding of the Company’s business results and trends. Unless otherwise stated, all financial data presented is GAAP financial data.

Fourth quarter 2010 results:

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased by 11.8% to $798.7 million, as compared to $714.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. The increase in the Company’s revenues was driven mainly by the electro-optics and airborne systems areas of operations.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $231.9 million (29.0% of revenues), as compared to gross profit of $212.0 million (29.7% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009. The reduction in the gross profit margin rate was caused mainly by write-off of inventories as well as additional acquisition expenses related to the acquisitions completed during the fourth quarter of 2010, including mainly Soltam, ITL, Ares and M7.

Research and development expenses, net for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $68.5 million (8.6% of revenues), as compared to $61.8 million (8.7% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Marketing and selling expenses for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $65.9 million (8.2% of revenues), as compared to $59.4 million (8.3% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009.

General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $40.8 million (5.1% of revenues), as compared to $32.5 million (4.5% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009. The increase was mainly a result of consolidation of expenses from the newly acquired subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Financial expenses, net for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $11.6 million, as compared to $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Expenses were relatively low in the fourth quarter of 2009 due to currency hedging related gains. The increased expenses in the fourth quarter of 2010 were mainly due to higher expenses related to the Series A Notes that the Company issued during the second quarter of 2010, as well as to the revaluation of the New Israeli Shekel against the US dollar.

Taxes on income for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $2.4 million (effective tax rate of 5.4%), as compared to taxes on income of $0.4 million (effective tax rate of 0.8%) in the fourth quarter of 2009. The change in the effective tax rate was attributable mainly to the mix of the tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company’s entities generate taxable income. The unusually low effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2009 was related to tax adjustments from prior years in some of the Company’s subsidiaries. The fourth quarter of 2010 was also affected by an increase in deferred tax assets.

Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnership for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased to $6.1 million (0.8% of revenues), as compared to $4.9 million (0.7% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $4.9 million, as compared to $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $43.7 million (5.5% of revenues), as compared with $53.7 million (7.5% of revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Diluted net earnings per share attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $1.01, as compared with $1.24 for the fourth quarter of 2009.

…

Source : Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries Establish Joint Company to Perform Advanced Training Aircraft Project for the Israeli Air Force

HAIFA, Israel, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT) (« Elbit Systems ») announced today the signing of a founder’s agreement (the « Agreement ») with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (« IAI ») to establish a joint company and a limited partnership (collectively the « Joint Entity ») to perform a potential project of purchasing and maintenance of advanced training aircraft, as well as additional services (the « Project »), for the Israeli Ministry of Defense (the « MoD »).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441 )

The Joint Entity established under the Agreement, will be equally owned (subject to required regulatory approvals), and will supply the MoD with the products and services required for the Project’s execution. Certain portions of the Project’s work scope will be acquired from IAI and Elbit Systems, respectively, in accordance with a work sharing plan determined by the two sides.

To the best of Elbit Systems’ knowledge, the MoD is currently reviewing contractual possibilities with regards to the Project, and in this context has provided to Elbit Systems and IAI a request for information (RFI). It is the intention of the two companies to submit a response to the RFI in the coming days through the Joint Entity.

To the extent that there will be a contract between the Joint Entity and the MoD with regards to the Project, it is expected that its scope will be significant and that it will be performed over a long-term period. In the framework of a contract for the Project, it is also expected that the Joint Entity will seek sources of financing for the establishment of infrastructure and for the operation of the Project, as well as to purchase from aircraft manufacturers and other suppliers the aircraft and additional equipment required for the Project.

It is noted that at the time of this announcement, the Joint Entity and MoD have not yet signed an agreement for the Project and that there is no certainty that an agreement will be signed.

According to the Agreement, the scope of the Project will be divided to the extent possible equally between Elbit Systems and IAI, and if required, balancing arrangements will be established between the two companies.

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of 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 aircraft systems (« UAS »), 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, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.

For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com.

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 its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), 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 Company 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. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Elbit Systems Ltd

Elbit Systems of America Awarded Contract from the Boeing Company to Develop New Head up Displays for the U.S. Air Force C-17

FORTH WORTH, Texas, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a contract from The Boeing Company for the development of the C-17 Replacement Head Up Display (« RHUD ») for the United States Air Force. The contract also contains options for Recurring Production, Depot Support and Repairs.

The C-17 provides rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases as well as tactical airlift and airdrop operations within a theatre of operations. The collective efforts of Boeing and Elbit Systems of America will provide the United States Air Force with a new C-17 RHUD that will enhance the ability of the aircraft to fulfill the United States’ worldwide air mobility requirements.

With the C-17 HUD operator in mind, Elbit Systems of America has incorporated growth provisions that will provide the foundation for sensor fusion and other enhancements, to increase approach stability and pilot’s situational awareness in critical phases of flight during reduced visibility conditions. The RHUD enhancements also increase ease of maintenance, enhanced reliability and mitigation of obsolescence. The RHUD Projector Unit features an advanced optical design with a wide field of view. The design incorporates a Digital Image Source (DIS), optimizing image quality and performance across many interrelating properties. The HUD Computer Unit (CU) design includes cutting edge processing and graphic capabilities built using Elbit Systems’ history of expertise developing display electronics. The HUD CU contains a service-port to access and acquire Built-in-Test results directly from the Shop Replacement Unit level, reducing unnecessary removals. It is located in the equipment rack providing easy maintenance and access to system health parameters.

Elbit Systems of America, President and CEO, Raanan Horowitz added: « We at Elbit Systems of America are proud to have been selected to incorporate our leading HUD technology into the world’s most advanced airlift aircraft. The selection by Boeing is a testimony to our world class capabilities and dedication to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. »

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 and TASE: ESLT), a global electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of 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 aircraft systems (« UAS »), 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, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services. For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com.

Elbit Systems U.S. Subsidiary Awarded $12.7 Million Spares Order from U.S. Army for Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System

HAIFA, Israel — Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, was awarded a $12.75 million delivery order for Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS) spares from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), in Rock Island, Illinois. Work on this contract will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas.

This delivery order was issued pursuant to an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to Elbit Systems of America, under which a total of more than $50 million in delivery orders have been issued to date.

The IHADSS system supports the Apache AH-64 attack helicopter mission by providing an advanced helmet mounted display and sighting system that provides heads up display and accurate line of sight to the pilot and co-pilot. Its capabilities and ease of use have resulted in a solid history of reliability, crew safety and mission success.

Elbit Systems of America President and CEO, Raanan Horowitz commented: « Elbit Systems of America is pleased to provide continued support to the Apache helicopter team. We appreciate the confidence placed by the U.S. Army in our quality and on-time delivery track record on the Apache IHADSS program. »

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of 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 aircraft systems (« UAS »), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios.

Elbit Completes Successful Flight Test for ANVIS/HUD with Color Symbology

09:16 GMT, February 28, 2011 Haifa, Israel | Elbit Systems, a market leader in military Helmet Mounted Head-Up Displays (HUDs), announced today that it successfully completed a test flight of its ANVIS/HUD Day/Night Helicopter Helmet Mounted HUD with color symbology onboard a Bell 206 helicopter. The new technology will be implemented in future Helicopter HUD programs per customer requests.

Adding color symbology to the Day/Night ANVIS/HUD helps pilots differentiate between tactical display symbols.

The improved ANVIS/HUD system design takes into account customer feedback and lessons learned from hundreds of thousands of operational flight hours accumulated by Elbit Systems’ ANVIS/HUD systems in the U.S. and in other countries around the world. The system provides improved safety and situational awareness while adding the benefits of color symbology and display.

Yoram Shmuely, Co-General Manager of Elbit Systems’ Aerospace Division, noted: « Elbit Systems continuously invests in the upgrade of the successful ANVIS/HUD product line, adding new capabilities to meet the evolving needs of modern helicopters. We are very proud to introduce this new and advanced capability to our ANVIS/HUD line of systems. This addition builds on Elbit Systems’ vast experience as a Design Center of Excellence in Helicopter Helmet Mounted HUDs. »

The latest color Flat Panel Day and Night HUDs will be ready for production deliveries by the first quarter of 2012.

Brazil Buys UAVs and Upgrades AMX, but Defers Fighter Choice

By: Chris Pocock

The Brazilian Air Force purchased an unspecified number of Hermes 450 UAVs from the Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) made two defense procurement decisions, but deferred the long-pending choice of a new combat aircraft. It bought an unspecified number of Hermes 450 UAV systems from the Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

The Israeli company noted that it has now sold UAVs to more than 20 countries and that the Hermes 450 has logged more than 200,000 operational flight hours. The FAB also signed a contract with Embraer to overhaul and further update 43 AMX jet fighters.

Embraer previously received a contract to upgrade the avionics of the 20-year-old jets, which were produced by the Brazilian company in a joint venture with Alenia of Italy. The first flight of a modernized AMX for the FAB is scheduled for early next year.

According to Reuters, new Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has decided that the final bids for the new fighter should be re-evaluated. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen NG are in contention.

Outgoing president Lula da Silva favored the French contender. But the news agency reported that Rousseff has sought to reinforce guarantees from the U.S. on technology transfer, should the Super Hornet be chosen.

Source:http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/brazil-buys-uavs-and-upgrades-amx-but-defers-fighter-choice-28242/