FLIR imaging system for Super Tucanos

FLIR Systems Inc.'s BRITE Star DP advanced imaging system is being integrated onto aircraft for Afghanistan under the U.S. Air Force LAS program.

The Brazilian aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano, will be assembled in the United States under the Air Force's Light Air Support contract awarded in February to the Sierra Nevada Corp. and Embraer of Brazil.

FLIR said as part of that award, it received a $22 million order for its system. Delivery of BRITE Star systems will begin in June and continue through next year.

"Being selected to provide our highly advanced imaging systems for the LAS program is indicative of the growing diversification of the customers, regions, and platforms that we serve," said Earl Lewis, president and chief executive officer of FLIR. "We have a proven ability to provide state-of-the-art technologies that are critical to protecting people and are pleased to be able to continue our success in the airborne market."

An initial 20 A-29s will be supplied to the Afghanistan army air corps for flight training, reconnaissance and light air support (combat) missions.

More than 88 percent of the Super Tucano's parts are being supplied by U.S. companies

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A-29 Super Tucano turboprop aircraft uses FLIR Systems advanced imaging systems under U.S. Air Force Light Air Support mission

FLIR Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR) in Portland, Ore., won a $22 million order for from the U.S. Air Force for its BRITE Star DP advanced imaging systems, to be employed on Embraer A-29 Super Tucano military aircraft acquired as part of the Light Air Support (LAS) program.

U.S. Air Force officials selected Sierra Nevada Corp. to supply Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for use by the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps and other future customers in a contract issued in Feb. 2013. The aircraft will be used to conduct flight training, aerial reconnaissance, and light air support operations and is a key element of U.S. government partner-building efforts in Afghanistan and other partner nations.

Deliveries under this order are expected to begin in June and continue throughout 2013 and 2014. Production of the BRITE Star DP systems will be performed out of FLIR's facility in Wilsonville, Ore.

"Being selected to provide our highly advanced imaging systems for the LAS program is indicative of the growing diversification of the customers, regions, and platforms that we serve," says Earl Lewis, president and CEO of FLIR. "We have a proven ability to provide state-of-the-art technologies that are critical to protecting people and are pleased to be able to continue our success in the airborne market."

The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, Fla., by U.S. workers and with parts supplied by U.S. companies. In fact, FLIR is among 100 U.S. suppliers in 20 states that will provide parts or services for the LAS program. At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract.

More than 88 percent of the Super Tucano is made from parts supplied by U.S. companies, like FLIR, or countries that qualify under the Buy America Act.


Source: PORTLAND, Ore., UPI News / By Courtney Howard (By Courtney Howard) - 18 April 2013

Photo: The Afghanistan Army Air Corps Embraer A-29B Super Tucano (Photo by Embraer)


(18.04.2013)