Sterling, Virginia — Heckler & Koch Defense has been awarded a four year contract to supply the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with .40 caliber handguns to train and arm the nation’s commercial airline pilots. The HK USP40 Compact LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) is already in use by numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
“The selection of the HK USP40 Compact LEM by the TSA is yet another step in establishing this model as the premier handgun among law enforcement”, said Wayne Weber, HK Defense Federal Operations Manager. The HK LEM system is taking the US Law Enforcement community by storm, by combining a truly innovative trigger system with outstanding reliability, accuracy, safety, and ease of handling.”
Under the terms of the contract, Heckler & Koch Defense could deliver as many as 9,600 pistols throughout the life of the contract, expiring in FY06. This procurement is part of the TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer Program, a component of the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act enacted by Congress in 2002. The program allows pilots of American air carriers to volunteer for special firearms training and become certified federal law enforcement officers. After completing their federal certification, pilots would be authorized to use a handgun to defend their cockpits from hijackers and other attackers.
ABOUT HECKLER & KOCH
Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An innovative leader in design and manufacturing, Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the UMP submachine gun, and the G36 weapon system.
For further information, please contact:
HK-USA Public Relations
Tel: 1-703-450-1900 extension 226 in the USA
Email: pr@heckler-koch-us.com
American Website: www.hk-usa.com
Global Website: www.heckler-koch.com