The U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1W attack helicopters are being upgraded by Elbit Systems of America with helmet display tracker systems and tactical video datalinks.

Elbit Systems America, a subsidiary of Israel's Elbit Systems, said the work will be performed under two separate contracts worth a combined total of $16.5 million.

"The HDTS and TVDL are two more technologies Elbit Systems of America is deploying with the singular end result of protecting and saving lives," said Elbit Systems of America President and Chief Executive Officer Raanan Horowitz.

"The AH-1W is on the front lines in the battle against those who wish to harm America. These new technologies give our Marines capabilities and a level of safety never before experienced."

Helmet display tracker system kits provide enhanced night vision, weapons sighting, and weapons control, as well as improved safety, in degraded visual environments by giving pilots visual approach and drift cues in relation to the ground and obstacles.

The HDTS upgrade, worth $11.6 million, to the AH-1W SuperCobra fleet will be performed over a two-year period.

Adding tactical video data link technology to the helicopters will be performed over a 15-month period, the company said.

TVDL enables the aircraft's crew to receive information on threats through on-board sensors or from ground forces or other aircraft and also transit such information to others.