Elbit Systems of America and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Complete SWORD Tests

With the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

Press Release

The SWORD was tested onboard the AATD's EH-60L helicopter As stated in the final report of the AATD: "Results show that the SWORD system detects cables, poles and towers accurately with a low false alarm rate"

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, October 4, 2009 – Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) announced that it completed a series of flight tests in collaboration with its affiliate Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop and Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD), of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, on SWORD – Elbit Systems' Obstacle Warning System for helicopters.
These flight tests were conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).
The SWORD is a unique Laser Radar (LADAR) that provides obstacle detection and real-time alerts to helicopter pilots flying at low altitudes and adverse weather conditions. For the purpose of the CRADA tests, the system was installed and flown on-board AATD's EH-60L helicopter.



As stated in the final AATD report:
"Results show that the SWORD system detects cables, poles and towers accurately with a low false alarm rate.
Overall performance of the SWORD system was dominated by the implementation of the "Warning Zone" concept.

The underlying LADAR scanning hardware and data processing software performed reliably and consistently.
This was demonstrated both during system evaluation flights and during flight post-briefs when we reviewed raw laser returns to cross-check pilot observations. No performance or installation issues were observed and neither did they need any repairs or maintenance work during this effort.
The basic SWORD system unit appears by and large to be a mature product.

Based on a pilot survey of the system in operation, the report recommends that the pilot-interface and the configuration for Warning Zones be optimized and adapted to requirements based on U.S. Army platforms and mission profiles."



Raanan Horowitz, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America commented:
“The SWORD system has the potential of improving flight safety and mitigating risks associated with the obstacles encountered by pilots flying in low altitudes and especially in urban environments.
We will continue working with the US Army to refine the requirements and develop aircraft integration and installation approaches”.

Adi Dar, General Manager of Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop stated:
"The SWORD system, based on advanced LADAR technologies is a world leading production-ready system, applicable to many different helicopter platforms, with excellent cost/performance for Helicopter Obstacle Warning, as well as additional short-term growth capability as a significant landing aid in brown-out conditions."

Back to Magazine