U.S. Army awards Honeywell $41 million for APN-209 radar

PHOENIX, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has awarded Honeywell $41 million to continue supplying combat-proven radar altimeters for its helicopters, Honeywell announced on Wednesday.

The APN-209 radar altimeter has been praised for keeping helicopters safe by improving situational awareness. The product specializes in low-level flight, ideal for the hover phase of a helicopter. Carey Smith, president of Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace commended the radar, saying the company has delivered more than 150,000 units to defense and commercial customers around the world.

"Since 1975, Honeywell's radar altimeters have helped keep Army helicopters safe in multiple theaters of combat, and dramatically increased performance across missions and in all types of weather and conditions," Smith said in a statement.

The APN-209 provides the indication of height and terrain information below the aircraft, giving pilots detailed information about their surroundings. It also includes software designed to help pilots evade attempts to obtain their location, allowing them to remain undetected during surveillance and tactical missions.

Honeywell is a multinational aviation manufacturer serving both private sector customers and governments. The company employs over 130,000, and grossed about $40.3 billion in 2014.