Nov 28 2012
General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies has delivered the1,000th precision-machined beryllium sensor housing to DRSTechnologies, Inc.
DRS integrates the sensor housings into the Mast Mounted Sight (MMS) for the U.S. Army's OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter.
"We are very proud of the continued hard work and dedication exhibited by our employees on this project," said Bob McGill, vicepresident and general manager of General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies. "For more than two and a half decades, our uniqueexpertise in beryllium machining has allowed us to reliably deliverthese precise, complex structures in support of DRS and the KiowaWarrior Helicopter."
General Dynamics offers close-tolerance machining andprocessing of beryllium to tolerances of up to 1/100,000 (0.000001) ofan inch to consistently manufacture sensor housing units tailored toDRS Technologies' exact specifications. One-third the weight ofaluminum, using beryllium allows the sensor housing to meet challengingsize, weight and power requirements. Additionally, beryllium is sixtimes stiffer than steel and has a high thermal stability, allowing thehousing to maintain its integrity in harsh airborne environments.
The Kiowa Warrior helicopter conducts armed reconnaissance,security, target acquisition and designation, command and control, light attack and defensive air combat missions in support of combat andcontingency operations for the U.S. Army.
The beryllium housing sensors are manufactured in Cullman, Ala., where General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies has a 120,000 square-foot facility with 198 employees.
For more information about General Dynamics Global ImagingTechnologies, please visit www.gd-imaging.com.
General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies is a division ofGeneral Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (www.gd-ais.com), abusiness unit of General Dynamics.
Source: General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies.