According to a press release published by Hensoldt on January 21, 2022, Sensor solutions provider, HENSOLDT equips 82 Bundeswehr helicopters of the type NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) with state-of-the-art self-protection technology.
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German NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (Picture source: Hensoldt)
With its AMPS (Airborne Missile Protection System), HENSOLDT is supplying its latest generation of self-protection systems for these helicopters. For the first time, the HENSOLDT Radar Warning Receiver Kalaetron is a component of AMPS. After the integration phase, the helicopters are to be equipped within the framework of the THOR project (TTH Operational Revision Programme) from 2025.
In the 94th session of the Defence Committee of the last parliamentary term, the project of a sample installation of the HENSOLDT AMPS-MLR Electronic Warfare System in the German NH90 TTH was approved. The proof flights with the Kalaetron on the CH53 helicopter at the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 81 in June 2020 spoke in favour of the sensor solution provider HENSOLDT.
In the end, the decision-makers WTD81, BAAINBw as well as Airbus Helicopters came to the conclusion that the HENSOLDT solution, consisting of the Missile Launch Detection Sensor MILDS Block2, the passive laser warner ALTAS-2QB, the Kalaetron, the AMPS Control and Display Unit ACDU as well as a Counter Measure Dispenser System, represented the most future-proof concept compared to the competitors.
AMPS is a protection system that detects relevant missile, laser and radar threats and automatically initiates targeted countermeasures. In its basic version, AMPS detects the exhaust jet of approaching missiles, automatically triggers decoys and thus effectively interferes with the missile's homing head. Due to its modular design, AMPS is expandable with laser sensors, radar warning sensors or laser countermeasures.
The Kalaetron Radar Warning Receiver detects and identifies threats very quickly and with an exceptionally low false alarm rate due to its fully digital design in a wide frequency range.
AMPS thus offers comprehensive protection for aircraft and helicopters even against state-of-the-art anti-aircraft weapons and integrated air defence systems, as well as further growth potential against future threats.
The NHIndustries NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter. It was developed in response to NATO requirements for a battlefield helicopter which would also be capable of being operated in naval environments.
The TTH version of NH90 is configured to provide the highest level of utility based operations through the use of its versatile design and role fit features. From its operating base, it is able to self ferry or be transported by ship or air to the combat area. It is then able to operate from a forward base in a harsh combat environment, without a heavy support infrastructure to provide a number of utility roles including the ability to fly nap-of-the-earth flight patterns.
Defense News January 2022
