Boeing Awarded $49.5 Million Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System Contract

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $49.5 million U.S. Air Force contract to integrate the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) into 145 F-15E aircraft.

The contract includes hardware and installation services on the aircraft, as well as initial pilot equipment, such as helmets and visors. Installation in the first F-15E is expected in October, with contract completion in December 2010.

"When this contract is implemented, JHMCS will be integrated on F-15C, D and E aircraft," said Phil King, JHMCS program manager for Boeing. "Demand for the system continues to be strong because it has proven to be one of the most valuable tools available to our warfighters."

JHMCS enhances pilot situational awareness and provides head-up control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors. Using visual displays inside the helmet visor, the pilot is able to detect, acquire and engage surface and airborne targets.

This is the ninth production contract for JHMCS. Low-rate initial production began in 2000, with full-rate production starting in 2005. The system is deployed on more than 2,500 F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft worldwide.