Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has received a Japan Ministry of Defense contract, through Mitsubishi Corporation, for the supply of a Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) Mark VI helicopter handling system to be integrated on-board the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 20DD destroyer platform

"We are very pleased to continue our support of this important ship program," said Martin R. Benante, CEO and Chairman of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "The improved RAST Mark VI system demonstrates our engineering expertise in providing advanced performance and innovative equipment designs, and in providing profound value to our customers through operational efficiency."

Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solutions facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, will perform work for this contract with delivery to the Japan Ministry of Defense scheduled for late 2010. With over 50 years of experience, Curtiss-Wright is a leader in designing and manufacturing ship-borne aircraft handling systems, underwater sensor handling and specialized structures for military customers.

The 20DD RAST Mark VI is a hybrid system that builds on the well-established capabilities of the RAST system currently in operation with the Japanese, U.S., Canadian, Australian, Spanish and Taiwan Navies. It incorporates selected features and capabilities from the more advanced Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) system also produced by Curtiss-Wright. The resulting hybrid system provides improved capabilities and functionality with reduced footprint and weight relative to earlier RAST systems.

The 20DD is the second ship in a class of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter-capable destroyers designed to incorporate the latest advancements in shipboard mission systems. The vessels will provide advanced defense against air, submarine and surface threats in area defense of the new DDG Groups.