SubscribeL-3 Communications WESCAM (L-3 WESCAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by Surveillance Australia Pty Ltd (SAPL) to provide ten MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging turrets and associated spares for the Civil Maritime Surveillance Project (CMS04).
Surveillance Australia has been operating surveillance aircraft since 1995 and has accumulated more than 170,000 hours of aerial surveillance. SAPL is used to detecting and deterring illegal activities, such as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing and environmental offences, around Australia.
The initial project is comprised of five long-range electronic surveillance aircraft fitted with WESCAM 16DSM EO/IR sensors. The CMS04 project will see the MX-15 EO/IR sensor fitted to ten aircraft.
"We are extremely pleased to be on the team selected for the Australian Coastwatch program," said John Dehne, president of L-3 WESCAM. "This selection allows L-3 WESCAM to continue its long relationship with Surveillance Australia in support of the Australian Customs Service mission to detect and deter illegal maritime activities around the Australian coastline. Furthermore, this is another indication of how our MX-15 advanced imaging technology is making a positive impact on today's evolving maritime patrol missions."
The MX-15 sensors include a digital IR camera and a Charge Multiplied CCD (CMCCD) Night Spotter Camera to obtain long-range target identification at night or in less than ideal weather conditions. The MX-GEO suite of geographically registered functions will enhance operator ease of use on long missions and deliver high accuracy target location.
Burlington, Canada, March 24, 2006
