OTTAWA, April 10, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS SATCOM, a division of EMS Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG), reported today that Eurocopter Deutschland ("Eurocopter"), part of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company ("EADS"), has selected the EMS SATCOM eNfusion(tm) HSD-128 high-speed data terminal as part of a communications solution developed by SCOTTY Group plc ("SCOTTY") that will provide real-time tactical video transmission, videoconferencing and high-speed internet capabilities to German Army CH53 helicopters.
"This contract is a key milestone for our burgeoning business in Europe," said Neil Mackay, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMS SATCOM. "Working with SCOTTY, we have demonstrated that our eNfusion satellite-based communications systems are robust, key enablers for the German Army's CH-53 helicopters and their missions. We've seen that the demand, particularly from military programs, for these capabilities on mobile platforms continue to rise."
The communications solution on board the German Army CH-53G helicopter is the result of a tri-lateral project, initiated and led by SCOTTY. Integrated by Eurocopter, the system consists of SCOTTY's video and data communication equipment, and EMS SATCOM's eNfusion system: HSD-128 high-speed data terminal, and Helicom -- AMT-50 high-gain antenna and customized radome. Installed and tested on the CH53-G helicopter in September of 2005, the solution delivers key capabilities to aircraft that previously only had access to high-frequency radio communications. The system's live in-flight tactical video imagery, videoconferencing, and high-speed Internet capabilities securely accessible around the globe and wherever the aircraft happens to be, provide substantial tactical and communications advantages.
"With real-time video capability that performs through even the most strenuous flight maneuvers, the German Army is now equipped with a critical resource, one that is well-suited to increasing operational effectiveness and situational awareness," noted Stephen Newell, Director of Military and Government Sales for EMS SATCOM. "Our systems are upgradeable, SwiftBroadband-ready and deliver what our customers demand -- bandwidth."
Kurt Kerschat, CEO of SCOTTY Group plc, said: "This collaboration has produced an incredibly robust system. It meets the complex in-flight requirements of our customers, and we are pleased to have EMS SATCOM's equipment as part of this critical system."
"The added communications capability opens a new perspective in the fulfillment of missions beyond line-of-sight," said Thilo Lees, Program Manager at Eurocopter. "We see this equipment as the future basis for every kind of aircraft. In terms of connectivity it is the only system providing reliable out-of-area connections; real accessibility is no longer a dream."
About SCOTTY Group plc
SCOTTY Group plc (NYSE:SCO) provides integrated communication solutions for video, audio and data transmission over any kind of network. SCOTTY combines years of experience in the design and development of visual communications technology and products with a deep understanding of customer requirements. This enables SCOTTY to tailor individual communication packages to a customer's specific needs.
SCOTTY has subsidiaries in the United States of America, in United Kingdom, Austria, the Philippines and China.
About Eurocopter
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of EUR31.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 110,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, has approximately 1,200 workers worldwide, and operates manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa and Brazil.
EMS SATCOM, based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical, land-mobile, maritime and emergency management markets. 2005 Frost & Sullivan Command and Control Enabling Technology of the Year award recipient, the division is a leader in developing and supplying high-speed data communications equipment for enabling vital communications resources such as voice, video, email and Internet capabilities to a broad variety of aircraft.
For more information, visit the Company's website at www.emssatcom.com