Tulip Development gets helicopter contract

• Tweet

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- An unidentified party has issued a letter subcontract to Orbit International's Electronics Group of New York for displays for a "major helicopter program."

The Letter of Subcontract has a not-to-exceed value of $1.18 million and allows Orbit subsidiary Tulip Development Laboratory, in Pennsylvania, to begin procurement of long-lead items for the displays while negotiations on a final contract continue.

In describing the aircraft the electronic displays would be used on, Orbit said it is part "of a family of heavy-lift transport helicopters" for use in naval environments and was originally developed for the U.S. Marine Corps and is in use in Germany, Mexico and Israel.

"It is very rewarding to be part of a team responsible for the recapitalization of (Department of Defense) equipment," said TDL President David Gutman. "Recapitalization programs require the ability to upgrade older designs with the latest technology, ensuring long life and reliability while conforming to form, fit and functionally of the original system.

"Our upgraded display will be replacing two outdated displays in each helicopter currently in service."

Orbit said it expects final contract negotiations to be completed within 60 days, with deliveries starting in the second quarter of 2013.