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General Dynamics to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters.

| 2014
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World Industry Defense & Security News - General Dynamics UK
 
 
General Dynamics UK to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters
 
General Dynamics UK has been awarded a contract by AgustaWestland to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters. This contract is part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), which was awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence in January 2014 to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations.
     
General Dynamics UK has been awarded a contract by AgustaWestland to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters. This contract is part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), which was awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence in January 2014 to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations. AgustaWestland awarded contract in January to convert 25 AW101 HC3 helicopters for maritime operations
     
The mission system equipment that will be delivered by General Dynamics UK includes a Tactical Processing System and Secure Data Recorder, which will provide increased performance and capability onboard the helicopters.

General Dynamics UK is a world-leading provider of Tactical Processing Systems, which integrates a diverse range of sensor and application information for display in the cockpit, encrypted data storage and tactical datalink capability. The company's Tactical Processing System is currently installed on the UK and export variants of the AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.

The Secure Data Recorder provides an accredited security solution that allows a user operating in unfriendly environments to safely record and store data for further use. Qualified for manned and unmanned platforms operating in the air, on land and in maritime environments, the Secure Data Recorder enables the transfer of data on and off all types of platforms using an easily inserted encrypted memory cartridge. Typical data transfers include the uploading of mission and digital map data, along with the extraction of recorded data such as radar and electro-optical sensors, voice and data communications and tactical mission data.

Steve Rowbotham, chief operating officer at General Dynamics UK, said: "This contract continues the successful long-term collaborative relationship between General Dynamics UK and AgustaWestland. It is testament to the advanced mission systems provided by General Dynamics UK, which are currently installed on a range of fixed-wing and rotary platforms around the world.”

The British Army’s 28 Merlin HC3 battlefield helicopters are due for conversion, in order to replace existing Sea King Commando Mk.4 helicopters used by the Royal Marines. Around 25 AW101s are likely to be updated to the Merlin Mk.4 configuration, which will include the same cockpit modernizations and obsolescence/ minor redesigns for the Mk.2, plus standard naval changes like a folding rotor head, strengthened landing gear, deck lashing points, and a fast roping point for the Royal Marines. Converting the former Danish Air Force machines will move them out of their support training role, but it’s going to require some redesign.

The contract wasn’t issued until early 2014, and the Sea Kings are all expected to retire in 2016. The 1st fully-converted Mk.4s won’t even be available for trials until Sept 2017, and IOC won’t take place until 2018.

 
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