SANTIAGO, Chile, March 27, 2012 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Elbit Systems are collaborating on a joint distributed simulation project that will link a Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet simulator in St. Louis with an AEL Avionics Laboratory simulator in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
The effort brings together Boeing’s and Elbit’s expertise in order to demonstrate current simulation and network technology as well as the capabilities of the Super Hornet. The demonstration also will explore the potential for other technology collaborations, such as Super Hornet interoperability with Brazilian fighter aircraft. The distributed simulation project is expected to be completed this summer.
Boeing and Elbit Systems are developing a robust plan for technology exchange in the areas of simulation and avionics support for Brazil’s F-X2 program. Earlier this month, Boeing and Elbit Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding that supports the development of advanced avionics capabilities in Brazil that will be introduced to AEL Sistemas. Elbit was selected to provide the Large Area Display (LAD) system that will be part of an advanced cockpit system to be offered on Boeing fighter aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-15 family of aircraft, including the Silent Eagle. As a key supplier to Boeing fighter aircraft programs, Elbit, through Boeing, is investing in the development of advanced cockpit avionics capabilities at AEL Sistemas.
Elbit representatives recently met with the Boeing Super Hornet team in St. Louis to begin outlining working plans for developing the advanced avionics and the LAD. The Brazilian engineers and their Boeing counterparts expect to create a strong working relationship that will bring value to Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force.
The Boeing and Elbit teams also have begun exploring potential opportunities for other systems and support activities that would benefit AEL Sistemas and Brazilian industry in the near term and for the life cycle of the aircraft.
“By working together on today’s aircraft avionics, Boeing and Elbit engineers will be able to chart a plan for the future,” said Mike Gibbons, vice president, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs. “These collaborative efforts provide opportunities for international growth for Boeing and our global supply chain.”
Elbit Systems of America LLC is a leading provider of high-performance products and system solutions focusing on the commercial aviation, defense, homeland security, and medical instrumentation markets. Elbit Systems of America is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. [NASDAQ and TASE: ELST], a global electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. AEL Sistemas S.A., a majority owned Elbit Systems subsidiary located in Porto Alegre, Brazil, serves as a center for production and logistics support for advanced defense electronics programs in Brazil and globally.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 62,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
