Agusta
Westland has selected Thales as the supplier of compact dipping sonars
to equip its Lynx light helicopters for export markets.
The latest in Thales’s FLASH range, the FLASH Compact is designed
for smaller and lighter helicopters than those already using the FLASH
sonar. The FLASH Compact sonar features an optimised, lightweight architecture
as well as a fully electric reeling machine so that small helicopters
can deploy the best-in-class, high-performance sonar system for anti-submarine
warfare missions. |
“We
are very proud that Agusta Westland has chosen us as the supplier for
their Lynx helicopters, further consolidating a partnership that dates
back more than 10 years on the NH90 programme,” said Benoit Plantier,
Managing Director of Thales Underwater Systems. “This contract
confirms Thales’s expertise in anti-submarine warfare and also
marks the first success for our new FLASH Compact sonar” he added.
The new contract also demonstrates Thales’s ability to innovate
by developing a more integrated system while meeting the weight and
size constraints of smaller helicopters. Combined with a sonobuoy processing
system, the FLASH Compact sonar brings smaller helicopters a full and
very effective sonar suite.
In extending its FLASH range, Thales is also building on the success
achieved with dipping sonars already installed on helicopters in service
with navies in France (NH90 NFH), the United Kingdom (Merlin EH101),
Norway (NH90), the United States (MH60-R), Sweden (NH90) and the United
Arab Emirates (Cougar). This contract strengthens the Group’s
position as a leader in underwater Warfare. |
