DRS Defense Solutions announced that its Intelligence, Communications and Avionics Solutions (ICAS) business unit was awarded a $12M contract by the U.S. Air Force for the Improved Altitude Hold and Hover Stabilization (IAHHS) upgrade to the HH-60G PAVE HAWK helicopter.

This fifth generation system will replace the original first generation Altitude Hold and Hover Stabilization (AHHS) system, which was developed and fielded in the early 1990s. The improvements include enhanced hover and cruise capabilities and will add automatic descent, landing, and “go-around” modes.

DRS ICAS will also provide platform integration, technical data package development, test support, production kits, spares and support for the fleet of HH-60G PAVE HAWKS.

“A large portion of helicopter losses in Iraq and Afghanistan can be attributed to weather-related issues such as brown-out conditions and flying into unknown terrain,” says DRS ICAS President Logen Thiran. “Our IAHHS technology will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of those in and around the aircraft, under these less than desirable conditions.”

The need for precision, hands-free aircraft control at low altitude and low speeds is critical for the degraded visual environments that are so common for the HH-60G PAVE HAWK’s combat search and rescue missions.

Headquartered in suburban Dayton, Ohio, DRS Intelligence, Communications and Avionics Solutions (ICAS) provides a diverse range of product and system level capabilities ranging from intelligence and communications to avionics and irregular warfare.

DRS Defense Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRS Technologies, is a best-in-class provider of advanced products, services and systems integration to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors. The company is part of Finmeccanica Group (FNC.MI), which ranks among the top 10 global players in aerospace, defense and security, employing approximately 71,000 people. To learn more go to www.drs-ds.com.