Raytheon has secured a $50 million contract from the U.S. Navy. As per the terms of the contract, Raytheon will deliver a total of 50 AAS-44C(V) Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems, which will be used on MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters.
The AAS-44C(V) electro-optical infrared system provides military forces with advanced long-range detection in video format to help intelligence analysts, soldiers and commanders make critical decisions.
Empowered with a full-motion video capture device, the AAS-44C(V) allows tracking as well as laser designation and high-altitude acquisition through either a manned or an unmanned aircraft. The sensors have crossed the 1 million hour mark of operational flight time and were ranked among the top 25 systems making "the biggest difference on the battlefield" by the C4ISR Journal in its October 2008 issue.
Although the advanced imaging sensors were developed for use on the U.S. Navy's MH-60S and MH-60R rotary-wing platforms, Raytheon also supplies the devices to other military forces. At present the foreign military sales of the sensor is being pursued with India and Australia naval forces.
Delivery of the AAS-44C(V) systems is expected to commence in 2011 and finish in 2012.
Source: http://www.raytheon.com/