FLIR Systems' Talon selected for US Army HH-60M Black Hawks

FLIR Systems announced today that Sikorsky, with US Army concurrence, selected the Talon for its HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The US Army will utilise these sensors in combat search and rescue and MEDEVAC missions flown by active US Army, US Army National Guard and US Army Reserve units.

'Sikorsky, in conjunction with the US Army, selected the Talon for its unparalleled versatility and ability to be integrated seamlessly using existing FLIR Systems' mountings on HH-60M Black Hawks,' said William A Sundermeier, president of FLIR Government Systems. 'The Talon has served as the eyes for search and rescue missions in some the harshest environments in the world and we are eager to have it support US Army Black Hawk MEDEVAC missions.'

Based on FLIR's spiral development model, the Talon represents the latest generation of
9-in multi-sensor systems used throughout the National Guard, Army aviation community, US Navy, US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), US Coast Guard (USCG) and numerous countries abroad. The Talon's programme-based legacy of reliable operation in extreme environments is unparalleled. As the only US-produced lightweight, gyro-stabilized 9-in multi-sensor EO/IR turret, the Talon was designed to operate on a variety of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, land vehicles, ships and small boats. The system boasts proven efficiency by maximising training dollars with safe and easy operation, and the ability to achieve true commonality.

'This latest contract award reiterates the confidence that Sikorsky and the US Army have in our EO/IR systems,' said Sundermeier. 'Many of the US Army's Sikorsky Black Hawk MEDEVAC fleet are currently operating with the FLIR Systems' Star SAFIRE II and we are honoured that they have decided to continue the relationship by selecting the Talon for the Black Hawk HH-60M's EO/IR needs.'

FLIR Systems has delivered more than 200 sensors for Black Hawk operations with US government agencies including the US Army and US Air Force, as well as six allied nations.