Elbit Systems - Focusing in the Dark

Roughly five years ago Navy SEALs embarked on a covert mission into Pakistan to Kill/Capture Osama Bin Laden. On a pitch black night with no moon and partial cloud cover, two teams in stealth Blackhawks entered Pakistani airspace and conducted the raid. The rest is history that we all know. While the Navy SEALs trained incredibly hard for this mission, one of the biggest components in this raid was the technology. The ability for the Blackhawks ability to penetrate through Pakistani radar paired with the ability to conduct the mission in the middle of the night both contributed to the successful nature of the mission.

5 years is an eternity in the world of technology. What new innovations have come about that will bolster the ability for pilots to fly at night and continue missions such as the bin Laden raid?

Elbit Systems recently concluded a successful test of a new BrightNite multi-spectral panoramic vision system. Using an Airbus Twin-Star helicopter several different Air Forces tested the system which was deemed quite successful. Night vision has provided one of the biggest advantages in the Global War on Terror.

Elbit makes imaging equipment for military aircraft and helicopter systems, helmet mounted systems, and drone operated imaging equipment. Elbit systems is an Israeli electronics company that has grown extensively through acquisitions over the years and is currently interested in acquiring, IMI - Israel Military Industries Ltd. IMI is currently paying its 3,000 employees around 60 million a month in salaries. While IMI may represent a strategic acquisition for Elbit, it should refocus itself on its product line and continue to innovate unique, needed products for the defense industry. Acquiring more companies and additional overhead does nothing but slow Elbit in the long run.