GD Delivers 1,000th Beryllium Sensor Housing for MMS on OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter

Nov 29, 2012 ASDNews Source : General Dynamics Corporation

General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies has delivered the 1,000th precision-machined beryllium sensor housing to DRS Technologies, 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, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies. “For more than two and a half decades, our unique expertise in beryllium machining has allowed us to reliably deliver these precise, complex structures in support of DRS and the Kiowa Warrior Helicopter.”

General Dynamics offers close-tolerance machining and processing of beryllium to tolerances of up to 1/100,000 (0.000001) of an inch to consistently manufacture sensor housing units tailored to DRS Technologies’ exact specifications. One-third the weight of aluminum, using beryllium allows the sensor housing to meet challenging size, weight and power requirements. Additionally, beryllium is six times stiffer than steel and has a high thermal stability, allowing the housing 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 and contingency 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.