Curtiss-Wright Controls Awarded Contract Options For Italian Navy FREMM Frigate Program Curtiss-Wright Controls Inc. announced today that it has received notification from Fincantieri S.p.A exercising the option for the supply of four additional TC-ASIST helicopter handling systems for the FREMM frigate program, bringing the number of systems under the multimillion-dollar contract to six. The contract also contains options for an additional four shipsets bringing the total to ten ships planned in the class for the Italian Navy. The TC-ASIST (Twin Claw-Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse) is a variant of the well-established ASIST system and allows integration of the ASIST shipboard helicopter operating concept without structural modifications to the existing Italian helicopter fleet. Similar systems are fitted to the Italian Horizon class frigates to provide a superior operating capability with both EH-101 and NH-90 helicopters. "Curtiss-Wright is very pleased to continue its work on the FREMM frigate program," said David Adams, President of Curtiss-Wright Controls. "The confidence in the TC-ASIST Helo Handling Systems demonstrated by the Italian Navy confirms the performance and value of the system." The FREMM frigate is a joint Italian/French program with a total of 27 ships planned in all. It is being designed to incorporate the latest advancements in shipboard mission systems. Work for this contract will be performed at the Curtiss-Wright Controls Engineered Systems Marine Defense facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2009. Curtiss Wright Controls Engineered Systems Marine Defense has been a leader in designing and manufacturing ship-borne aircraft handling systems (AHS), underwater sensor handling systems and specialized structures for military customers since the early 1960s. For more go to: Rotorhub.com