Exelis Missile Launcher Pylons for Saab Gripen E Fighters

Exelis has signed a business agreement with Saab Aeronautics to develop, supply and support Pneumatic Missile Eject Launcher pylons (PMEL) for use on Saab's next generation Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft.

The PMEL will enable powered ejection of Meteor and AMRAAM (AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) from the fuselage underside.

The agreement is long-term, covering the entire operational life of the Gripen E and includes follow-on and upgrades to the system.

"This is a great opportunity for us to build on Exelis weapon carriage and release experience and continue to grow in the air-to-air missile eject market," said Ken Harrison, vice president and general manager of International Night Vision and Communications Solutions.

The agreement signature released an immediate contract for the design and development phase, which will culminate in the delivery and supply of several flight trial units. The initial production contract is for the supply of 214 PMELs. All work will take place at the Exelis facility in Brighton, England.