Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received a $69 million contract for 321 additional Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS). The multi-role system enhances pilot situational awareness and provides head-out control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors.

Under the contract awarded April 4, Boeing will equip U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons, U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as well as eight international customers with the innovative system and associated components. The contract is the company's fourth JHMCS full-rate production order.

"U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots tell us that they love this system, which greatly increases their combat capability," said Phil King, Boeing JHMCS program manager. "The proven success of JHMCS in the field continues to result in strong customer demand."

The system, first used operationally in Operation Iraqi Freedom, gives flight crew members the ability to rapidly acquire and designate a target simply by looking at it. By placing an aiming cross, projected on the helmet visor, over the desired target and pressing a button, pilots can quickly and easily aim weapons and sensors to designate and attack airborne or ground targets. JHMCS also displays tactical information, aircraft altitude, airspeed, gravitational pull and angle of attack on the visor to increase the crew member's situational awareness.

Since 2000, Boeing has contracted for more than 2,500 systems. The company is the prime contractor and integrator for JHMCS. Vision System International, based in San Jose, Calif., is the major subcontractor.