PARSIPPANY, N.J., 12 May 2009. Curtiss-Wright Corp. won a multimillion dollar contract from ASC AWD Shipbuilder Pty. Ltd., on behalf of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance, to supply Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) helicopter handling systems and modular lightweight tracks for three Hobart Class ships for the Royal Australian Navy. Curtiss-Wright Flow Control will perform the work at its facility in Ontario, Canada, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2009.

The total contract value, including all follow-on options, is expected to exceed $15 million. An option exists for a fourth shipset of equipment with a potential award in 2009.

The ASIST system is a state-of-the-art deck handling solution for shipboard helicopter operations. It integrates the functions required for landing and on-deck operations to stow large ship-borne helicopters. Using the ASIST system, all deck handling operations can be accomplished without the need for personnel on the flight deck. The ASIST system enables safe helicopter handling day or night, even in adverse weather and sea conditions, reveals a representative.

The system, which will operate with the Australian Navy legacy S-70B helicopters, will be compatible with future helicopter designs.

The AWD program will provide the Royal Australian Navy with one of the world's most capable all-purpose warships, says a representative. The three AWD Hobart Class ships will provide an advanced air defense system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150km.