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General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America Form Joint Venture to Provide Tactical UAVs to U.S. Market

Posted on: Friday, 15 May 2009, 07:00 CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and FORT WORTH, Texas, May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, have formed a new company named UAS Dynamics, LLC, to provide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other potential U.S. government customers through programs such as the recently announced U.S. Marine Corps' Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS)/Tier II program.

The solutions that UAS Dynamics will offer are based on advanced, mature UAS designs that have accumulated more than 150,000 operational flight hours to date: the combat-proven Hermes(R) and Skylark(R) systems, developed and fielded by Elbit Systems Ltd. UAS Dynamics will adapt those proven designs to incorporate new technologies that use U.S. engineering, technology, manufacturing and logistics resources to rapidly field and satisfy evolving U.S. requirements. The new platforms will fill current and future operational gaps allowing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that range in size and scope from hand-held and tactical level systems to medium altitude, long-endurance level systems.

"UAS Dynamics is an American company positioned to address U.S. defense requirements with operationally proven systems that have been modified, manufactured and supported locally," said Doug Tobiassen, president of UAS Dynamics. "We are proud to combine General Dynamics' systems integration and program management expertise with the proven UAS technology that Elbit Systems of America brings to the table," he continued.

Tobiassen was formerly the senior director of program management for advanced programs at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. He brings 35 years of experience in the defense industry to his new role. Paul Keller, currently at Elbit Systems of America, will serve as the executive vice president of UAS Dynamics and brings 30 years of experience to the position.

"The advanced capabilities of the Hermes(R) and Skylark(R) UASs have been proven in operations worldwide," stated Raanan Horowitz, president and chief executive officer of Elbit Systems of America. "These systems were delivered on an accelerated schedule to support urgent operational requirements of allied forces and are proving to be a tremendous value to operations and mission-effectiveness in conflict areas."

"We are proud to join forces with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products in order to make advanced technology and operationally-proven UASs available to the U.S. warfighter," Horowitz said.

The joint venture is equally owned by General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America and will be located in Fort Mill, S.C.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). It is located in Charlotte, N.C., and provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance weapon and armament systems, defensive armor, countermeasure systems, and aerospace composite solutions, as well as off-road axle and suspension systems. It is also a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet at www.gdatp.com.

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

Elbit Systems Ltd., is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related 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 air vehicle (UAV) systems, 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 and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.

Elbit Systems of America and other trademarks, service marks and logos are registered or unregistered marks of Elbit Systems of America companies in the United States and in foreign countries. Copyright (C) 2009 Elbit Systems of America. All rights reserved.

SOURCE General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; Elbit Systems of America, LLC

Source: PR Newswire

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