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Elbit Systems announced on October 6, 2013, that its wholly owned subsidiary Elbit Systems Electro-Optics – Elop Ltd. (Elop) had received a $33 million follow-on contract to supply Digital CoMPASS electro-optical payloads for helicopters operated by an unnamed Asia-Pacific Air Force. Elbit said performance was scheduled over three years; that period is not confirmation that deliveries were completed. Elbit’s announcement does not identify the customer’s country, helicopter model, order quantity, or delivery outcome.
What Elbit announced
The award was a follow-on order for Digital CoMPASS payload systems. Elbit described the customer only as an Asia-Pacific Air Force and said the payloads would be installed aboard helicopters. The release does not name the country or aircraft, so neither can be identified from the announcement.
The reported $33 million value and three-year performance period are figures issued by Elbit in 2013. The release does not say how many payloads were ordered or establish when, or whether, the contract was completed.
What a Digital CoMPASS payload is
Elbit expanded DCoMPASS as “Digital Compact Multi Purpose Advanced Stabilized System.” The company described it as a stabilized, low-weight, multi-sensor electro-optical payload intended to provide day-and-night intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability. It said the family could be used on fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and on land and naval platforms.
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Those are vendor descriptions, not independent test results. The 2013 release does not specify the order’s sensor bands, detection range, integration details, payload count, or independently assessed performance. An electro-optical surveillance payload generally refers here to a sensor package carried by an aircraft to support observation and related mission tasks; the announcement gives no further order-specific technical breakdown.
What the follow-on wording says—and does not say
Elbit General Manager Adi Dar said the program reflected customer satisfaction with systems acquired “a number of years ago.” That is the company executive’s explanation for the follow-on award, not a separately quoted customer assessment. The release does not say how many earlier systems the customer had acquired.
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- 【User-Friendly Operation】Weighing just 240g, this compact thermal imager offers a balanced feel with a non-slip grip even during extended use. Intuitive button controls let you power on, navigate menus, capture images, and switch between seven color palettes effortlessly—so you can start inspecting right away.
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The award should also be kept distinct from other Elbit product announcements. In 2011, Elbit described a separate CoMPASS payload contract for maritime patrol aircraft, including a thermal imaging system, laser range designator and day channel; those details are not established for this 2013 helicopter order. In 2016, Elbit said its related SPECTRO XR line drew on a legacy that included the CoMPASS family and reported more than 1,000 systems in operational use worldwide at that time. That company-reported figure is not the 2013 contract quantity. The 2013 announcement, the separate 2011 announcement, and the 2016 SPECTRO XR announcement concern different orders or products.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the announcement today
This is a historical contract announcement, not a current procurement update. It establishes what Elbit said it had been awarded in 2013, but it does not establish delivery, operational status, or present-day availability of the system. Elbit’s September 2026 description of the SPECTRO family discusses newer systems and capabilities, not specifications for the 2013 DCoMPASS order. Elbit’s 2026 release describes that later product context.
Quick Recap
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- 【Dual Mode Inspection】Combines thermal imaging with Center/Hot/Cold spot modes for real-time visual temperature display, and integrates thermometer mode for fast point-and-shoot readings with precise digital output. Full-screen thermal imaging enables continuous monitoring of moving targets,ensuring stable observation without loss of detail during dynamic inspections.
- 【User-Friendly Operation】 At just 240g, this compact thermal imager features a non-slip grip and balanced handheld design for comfortable long-duration inspections or mobile use. It offers intuitive button controls for power on/off, menu navigation, and image capture, and supports 7 selectable color palettes, enabling fast switching.
- 【Multi-Scenario Application】It supports a broad measurement range from -4°F to 1022°F with enhanced with adjustable emissivity and distance settings,making it suitable for applications.Equipped with a high-sensitivity sensor (NETD < 50mK), the thermal camera can detect extremely subtle temperature differences as small as 0.05°C.
- 【Quick Anomaly Detection with Alerts 】Featuring a 50° wide field of view, the device enables faster scanning of large surfaces and broader inspection coverage. It supports custom high/low temperature alarms for instant notification when abnormal thermal conditions are detected. Level and span adjustment functions make it easier to clearly identify localized issues.
- 【All-Day Battery Life】Built-in 2500mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of continuous operation, supporting full-day inspection without frequent recharging. The device also includes a 1-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for using.
Rank #3
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