Ansys subsidiary Optocon Systems has won a R20 million contract to supply optronics to Turkey.
The equipment will be fitted to the country's new fleet of Agusta AW129 Mangusta attack helicopters. The Turks preferred the Mangusta over SA's Denel Rooivalk.
The initial order is for the development and production of eight main sight systems. Ansys says there is a potential requirement for an additional 80 sights. The order was placed by Ankara-based Turkish defence company Aselsan this week.
Ansys bought Optocon for R14.5 million in January. Optocon is noted for its capability in the manufacture of precision electro-optical systems, ranging from infrared optical components to high-performance TV sensors, as well as video switching units and displays.
At the time of the Optocon transaction, Ansys CEO Alan Holloway noted there was "huge opportunity" for Optocon in the international defence industry market. Optocon's customers include armaments manufacturers Denel, Norinco, SAAB and diamond miner De Beers.
AltX-listed Ansys is a black-empowered company, which specialises in the design and integration of monitoring and control systems and products for the transport, manufacturing, defence and aerospace industries. While the bulk of its business comes from the rail transport sector, it also has substantial contracts in the defence industry.
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