Ministry of defence reconsidering blacklisting policy

In February 2013, Italian prosecutors arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the chief executive of Italian defence multinational, Finmeccanica on suspicion of paying bribes to facilitate the sale of VIP helicopters to India. Since then, the ministry of defence (MoD) has been in a quandary about whether to blacklist Finmeccanica and all its subsidiaries, or only AgustaWestland, the subsidiary that built and sold the AW-101 helicopters to India.

 Blacklisting all Finmeccanica companies - which include marine specialist, WASS; radar and communications specialist Selex Electronics Systems; aerospace giant, Alenia Aeromacchi; and armaments major, Otomelara - would undermine Indian tenders, in which they are important players.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said the MoD would see how wrongdoers could be punished without blocking acquisitions and the flow of spares.

 "It is a serious challenge. We have to balance between two competing public interests. One is contracts are meant to be abided with and not violated, even by our suppliers. The other is the larger public interest in terms of our national security and defence preparedness. We are finding an answer. You will hear from us soon."

Referring to the AW-101 VIP helicopters, of which India had taken delivery of three before ending the contract with AgustaWestland for twelve, Jaitley said the decision "relates to cases where (a) violations have taken place and (b) the consequences of those violations affect our defence preparedness…particularly where parts and spares are to be made available."

 The MoD has been alarmed by the potential consequences of blacklisting all Finmeccanica subsidiaries. WASS has been selected in a $300-million tender to supply 98 Black Shark torpedoes for the Scorpene submarines. A reconsideration of this would delay the operationalisation of the Scorpene, several years late. When the submarines start joining the navy's fleet in 2016, it will be armed only with the Exocet anti-ship missile. There will be no weapon to take on Pakistan's silent new Khalid-class submarines, the French Agosta-90B. WASS is also a contender for a new decoy system for torpedoes.

 Finmeccanica company, Otomelara, is the licensee for 76-millimetre (mm) guns, built by Bharat Heavy Electricals, which equip all Indian warships. Otomelara is a leading bidder in the navy contract for heavier 127 millimetre guns, considered more suitable than the lighter, older guns. It is being considered for supplying 12.7-mm stabilised guns.

 A subsidiary, Selex Electronics Systems (Selex ES), is fitting radar systems on the INS Vikrant, the navy's indigenous aircraft carrier being built by Cochin Shipyard. Cancelling this would cause major delay in a project three years behind schedule. Selex ES is bidding to upgrade the navy's Kamov-28 anti-submarine helicopter. It has completed trials for supplying an advanced pilotless target aircraft, for training air defence gunners.

 Meanwhile, Alenia Aeromacchi, a subsidiary, is a desired partner in the project for the Indian private sector to build 56 transport aircraft to replace the obsolescent Indian Air Force (IAF) Avro. Alenia's C-27J transport aircraft, a proven design, is considered closest to what the IAF desires.

 AgustaWestland is a leading contender for supplying the navy with a multi-role helicopter in the 12-tonne class, to fly from warships and perform the job the Sea King 42B has been doing for decades. With three AW-101 VIP helicopters delivered, ending the contract would create uncertainty about spares and support.

 Since the blacklisting of AgustaWestland, the United Progressive Alliance government failed to take a decision on Finmeccanica. Since it came to power, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government has sent mixed messages.

 In June, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh had indicated he would not favour trigger-happy blacklisting that may hinder Indian defence procurement by preventing many companies from responding to Indian tenders. Yet, earlier this month, the MoD sent a circular directing that, while tenders involving Finmeccanica companies could continue being evaluated, no Finmeccanica company would be awarded a contract.

The Z-18F helicopter, China's new anti-submarine weapon

To strengthen the anti-submarine capability of the People's Liberation Army Navy, Z-18F helicopters will likely serve on the Liaoning, the nation's first aircraft carrier, and the Type 071 Yuzhao-class amphibious transport docks, according to a report by the Hangzhou-based Qianjiang Evening News on Aug. 12.

The paper cited a Chinese military website which stated that the Z-18F is likely a modified version of the Z-8F helicopter designed based on the French-built SA 321 Super Frelon. From photos posted online, Chinese military expert Li Xiaojian told the paper that the Z-18F is probably equipped with four eight-tube sonobuoy launchers, allowing the helicopter to carry 32 sonobuoys. A US SH-60 Seahawk, in comparison, is only able to carry 25 sonobuoys, according to Li.

Li also stated that the Z-18F is likely able to carry four 324mm torpedos simultaneously with the two external stores support system it has. Most anti-submarine helicopters designed in Western nations such as the SH-60, the NH-90 and the Super Lynx are only able to carry two torpedoes. Li said, however, that Westland's EH-101 is a better and more advanced anti-submarine platform than the Z-18F.

As the Z-18F helicopter is bulky, weighing 13 tonnes, Li said that none of the destroyers or frigates the PLA Navy currently has in its possession are capable of carrying it, therefore, only large vessels like the Liaoning and the Type 071 amphibious transport dock can carry it.

Li said that there is also another version of the Z-18 helicopter called the Z-18J which is being designed as an early warning aircraft.

You Know The War Is Over When. . .

With combat operations winding down in Afghanistan, the U.S. Army is cutting back on purchases of its popular RQ-11B Raven micro-UAV. In the last decade the U.S. has bought most of the 19,000 Ravens produced. But now those purchases are fading to zero. Last year the army bought 1,134, this year it was 234 and next year it is zero. The reason why the army has bought so many Ravens is because this tiny (two kg/3.3 pound) rapidly wears out in combat. The Raven is made of Kevlar, the same material used in helmets and protective vests, but there are many ways for one to be lost in combat. On paper a Raven can survive about 200 landings before it can no longer be used. That’s in peacetime operations. In a combat zone few Ravens make it past fifty or so landings. While some Ravens have been shot down, the most common cause of loss is a problem with the communications link (as the aircraft flies out of range or behind something that interrupts the signal) or a software/hardware failure on the aircraft. Combat losses have been high, as nearly 20,000 have been built and most of those have been lost on the battlefield.

 

With much less combat expected in the next few years, the army is cutting orders for new Ravens and, in effect, living off existing stocks (over 5,000 Ravens) and resuming purchases only if a lot of troops are sent into combat. Raven, in effect, is being treated like ammunition, with much needed in peacetime than in wartime. 

 

Despite the high loss rate the Raven is popular with combat and non-combat troops alike. In part this is because the army has developed better training methods, which enables operators to get more out of Raven more quickly. Combat troops use it for finding and tracking the enemy, while non-combat troops use it for security (guarding bases or convoys). In both cases troops have come to use the Raven for more than just getting a look over the hill or around the corner. The distinctive noise of a Raven overhead is very unpopular with the enemy below and is often used to scare the enemy away or make him move to where he can be more easily spotted.

 

The current model, the Raven B (RQ-11B), was introduced six years ago, a year after the original Raven entered service in large numbers. This UAV is inexpensive ($35,000 each). The Raven is battery powered (and largely silent unless flown close to the ground). It carries a color day vidcam or a two color infrared night camera. It can also carry a laser designator and a new gimbaled camera is being bought. The cameras broadcast real time video back to the operator, who controls the Raven via a handheld controller, which uses a hood to shield the display from direct sunlight (thus allowing the operator to clearly see what is on the ground). The Raven can go as fast as 95 kilometers an hour but usually cruises at between 40 and 50 kilometers an hour. It can go as far as 15 kilometers from its controller and usually flies a pre-programmed route, using GPS for navigation.

 

From the very beginning the Raven changed the way troops fight. With the bird's eye view of the battlefield, commanders can move their troops more quickly, confident that they won't be ambushed and often with certain knowledge of where the unseen enemy is. The big advantage with Raven is that it’s simple, reliable, and it just works. The UAV can be quickly taken apart and put into a backpack. It takes off by having the operator start the motor and then throwing it. This can be done from a moving vehicle and the Raven is a popular recon tool for convoys. It lands by coming in low and then turning the motor off. Special Forces troops like to use it at night because the enemy can’t see it and often can’t hear it either.

 

Last year the U.S. Army began using the larger (5.9 kg) Puma AE UAVs. Adopting Puma is part of an army effort to find micro-UAVs that are more effective than current models and just as easy to use. The Puma, a 5.9 kg (13 pound) UAV with a 2.6 meter (8.5 feet) wingspan and a range of 15 kilometers from the operator, has proved to be the next big (or micro) thing the army was looking for. Combat commanders quickly realized how useful Puma is and wanted more, as quickly as possible. This is not surprising as SOCOM (Special Operations Command) has been using Puma since 2008.

 

The army wants to equip each infantry company with a Puma system. That would mean 18 Puma AE UAVs per brigade and nearly 400 for the entire army. These larger UAVs have been most useful in route clearance (scouting ahead to spot ambushes, roadside bombs, landslides, washouts, or whatever). The larger Puma is particularly useful in Afghanistan, which is windier than Iraq and thus more difficult for the tiny Raven to operate.

Top speed for Puma is 87 kilometers an hour and cruising speed is 37-50 kilometers an hour. Max altitude is 3,800 meters (12,500 feet). Puma has a better vidcam (providing tilt, pan, and zoom) than the smaller Raven and that provides steadier and more detailed pictures. Because it is larger than Raven, and three times as heavy, Puma is much steadier in bad weather. Both Puma and Raven are battery powered.

 

Puma has been around for a decade but never got purchased in large quantities by anyone. The latest model uses a lot of proven tech from the Raven (both UAVs are made by the same company). Like the Raven, Puma is hand launched and can be quickly snapped together or apart. Another version, using a fuel cell, has been tested and was able to stay in the air for nine hours at a time. There is also a naval version that floats and is built to withstand exposure to salt water.

 

Each combat brigade is now supposed to have 35 mini-UAV systems (each with three UAVs, most of them Raven but at least ten of these systems are to be Pumas). That means that each combat brigade now has its own air force of over a hundred reconnaissance aircraft.

 

The army currently has nearly 7,000 UAVs. Over 6,000 are micro-UAVs like the Raven and Puma. These tiny (under six kg/13.2 pound) reconnaissance aircraft have become very popular with the troops, anyone of which can become an operator after a few hours of training. These tiny UAVs are a radical new military aircraft technology that took air recon to a new level. That level is low, a few hundred meters off the ground. The army has nearly 1,798 Raven and 325 Puma UAV systems in use by ground troops. A complete system (controller, spare parts, and three UAVs) costs $250,000 for the Raven and over $400,000 for Puma. These tiny aircraft have changed how the troops fight and greatly reduced army dependence on the air force for air reconnaissance. The lightweight, hand launched Raven UAV can only stay airborne about an hour per sortie, but troops have found that this is enough time to do all sorts of useful work, even when there's no fighting going on. This is most of the time. The heavier Puma can stay up for 120 minutes.

Another Old Warrior Too Good To Replace

In April the latest version of the Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter (the OH-58F) made its first flight. The army had wanted to buy a new scout helicopter design, using an existing civilian model. But years of evaluations led the army to conclude that the fifty year old Bell 206 model, used as the basis for the OH-58A, was still the best available. None of the new candidates were sufficiently superior to outweigh the fact that the basic Bell 206 design, as upgraded and modified since the 1960s as the OH-58, had more than kept pace with potential new rivals. So the army upgraded the OH-58D with much improved electronics (Internet Internet-like capabilities and the ability to control nearby UAVs) and pilot protection. A lot existing components were replaced with new versions that were stronger and/or more powerful. About 60 percent of the components in the F model are new. Production begins in two years and the first of over 300 OH-58Fs (upgrades or new aircraft) will enter service in 2016.

 

This move is made necessary because the current U.S. Army fleet of 230 OH-58Ds is wearing out. Ten years of war have hit the OH-58Ds hard. Those used in Iraq were in the air 72 hours a month while those in Afghanistan were airborne 80 hours a month. In peacetime, these choppers spend about 24 hours a month in the air. Moreover, combat use puts more stress on the aircraft. Plus there's battle damage, which included twenty destroyed in combat. The current solution is to spend several billion dollars to refurbish and upgrade the current fleet to the OH-58F standard and thus keep the OH-58 in service for another 10-12 years. It is believed that a replacement will be found and built before then, or the OH-58 will go through another round of upgrades. This has worked for other military systems (the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, the B-52 bomber and C-130 transport) so this is not a particularly daring choice. It just works.

The OH-58D has a top speed of 226 kilometers per hour, and a range of 241 kilometers. It has a mast-mounted sight, which carries a powerful FLIR (heat sensing camera) and a laser designator. The OH-58F will move the sensors to the body of the aircraft, right in front of the pilots. The OH-58D is lightly armed, and usually only carries four Hellfire (anti-vehicle) or Stinger (anti-aircraft) missiles, or 14 70mm unguided (or guided) rockets. The upgrades don’t change the weapons load, and OH-58D users are still arguing for a new engine. Over the decades, the new equipment and weight has been added, without an increase in engine power. For a scout helicopter, the OH-58 was getting more sluggish as it got older. This was not good, even though the OH-58F is five percent lighter than the OH-58D, which helps a bit.

 

To help ease the workload on the OH-58Ds, the army is reorganizing its light aviation battalions, by removing some OH-58 helicopters, and adding RQ-7 Shadow UAVs. The new battalions have 29 aircraft, eight of them UAVs. All this is the result of years of experience with the RQ-7, and some tests, using UAVs as scouts for helicopter gunships, or in cooperation with scout helicopters, rather than the traditional scout helicopter (like the OH-58) operating exclusively. The tests were successful, and the army is updating its tactics as well.

 

In the last decade, scout helicopters have been doing a lot less scouting, having been replaced by MQ-1C, RQ-7 and Raven UAVs. The scout helicopter pilots are relieved at having UAVs take over some of the more dangerous missions. In particular, the scout helicopter pilots are glad to lose the job of going in to "draw enemy fire" (and thus reveal where the enemy is). This sort of thing has gotten a lot of scout helicopter pilots killed. But there are still situations where the superior situational awareness (two pilots with four eyes, four ears and two noses) of humans is preferable. There are some even more basic considerations. The RQ-7 can stay in the air for up to eight hours per sortie, about three times longer than the OH-58 while the new MQ-1C can do four times better than that.

 

The army is also equipping some of its AH-64 helicopter gunships with digital communications that enables them to see what the UAVs are seeing. The OH-58s often scout for the AH-64s, finding targets. Now the RQ-7s can do it better, by letting the AH-64 pilots see what the RQ-7 has detected. There are also systems that allow the AH-64, or OH-58 pilots to take control of UAVs. The OH-58F will have both of these capabilities. Meanwhile, it's expected that the army aviation battalions will gain more UAVs, and lose helicopters.

China Sells Helicopter Gunships to United Wa State Army (UWSA)

China has allegedly sold helicopter gunships to ethnic Wa rebels who occupy areas of Shan State in eastern Burma, intelligence monitor Jane’s Information Group reported on Monday.

The report claimed China “delivered several Mil Mi-17 ‘Hip’ medium- transport helicopters armed with TY-90 air-to-air missiles to the Wa in late February and early March, according to both Myanmar ethnic minority and Myanmar government sources.”

Bertil Lintner, an expert on Burma and author of Great Game East: India, China and the Struggle for Asia’s Most Volatile Frontier, confirmed the accuracy of the Jane’s report.

Lintner said the Burmese government was moving to gain control of the Shan State Army-North’s mountainous bases on the western bank of the Salween River, for an eventual offensive against the Wa rebels.

“Since the Burmese government signed a ceasefire with the Shan, they haven’t withdrawn any troops, but rather they have reinforced their troops,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw, an analyst based on the China-Burma border. “That is not a good sign. So, the Wa wants to prepare [for a possible war].”

The purchase of the gunships is part of Wa moves to make the Wa region more like an independent state, able to project force if necessary.

The United Wa State Army is the largest ethnic armed group in Burma, with an estimated 20,000 well-equipped fighters, and advanced weaponry including surface-to-air missiles.

The Burmese government has carried out an offensive against the SSA-North and Kachin rebels in northern Shan State since mid-April, calling up troops from as far away as Karenni State to back up their forces in Shan State, according to Aung Kyaw Zaw.

Quoting a Wa rebel source, the Jane’s report said “the Mi-17s reached the Wa-administered area by flying across the Mekong River from Lao rather than direct from China.”

Jane’s said five helicopters had been bought, but the Burmese government, which confirmed the deal, said only two aircraft had so far been delivered.

The UWSA headquarters is in Panghsang, northeastern Shan State on the China border, but it has a secondary stronghold in southern Shan State on the border with Thailand.

Burma and the United States have long said the UWSA funds its activities through heroin and methamphetamine production, earning large sums of money through illegal activities.

If the government launches an attack on the Wa, it would be a big war, according to analysts. There have been unconfirmed reports in recent weeks that the Wa have been digging in for a protracted ground war, hollowing out tunnels and constructing fortified positions, according to the sources.

The Burmese government recently bought a number of Mi-24P ‘Hind’ gunships from Russia. The reported sale of the Mi-17s to the Wa, armed with TY-90 short-range air-to-air missiles, would provide a strong deterrent to Naypyidaw moving against the Wa.

Hail storm damages 50 NATO helicopters in Afghanistan

A heavy hail storm in southern Afghanistan damaged about 50 NATO-led coalition security forces helicopters stationed in the area, officials said.

The helicopters were at Kandahar Airfield when the storm hit Tuesday, Khaama Press reported Friday.

The exact number of helicopters damaged was not reported, but a service member at Kandahar Airfield, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about 50 helicopters were damaged.

A coalition spokesperson said forces were working to repair the damaged aircraft.

Helicopters that sustained more severe damage have been grounded, delaying the transportation of equipment and service members, Khaama Press said.

Russia will Deliver Helicopters and Air Gun-Missiles to Iraq

Russia will deliver gun-missile Pantsir-S and combat helicopters Mi-28NE air-defense systems to Iraq in arms deals worth $4.2 billion signed earlier this year, said the government today.

 The text was published on the subject of talks held on Tuesday by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, and his counterpart Nuri al-Maliki, at the residence of chief of staff in Gorki, outside Moscow.

The Arab visitor announced an invitation to Medvedev to travel to Baghdad in order to strengthen bilateral relations.

The agreements were signed between April and August during the visit to Russia of military delegations headed by the acting Minister of Defense Saadoun al-Dulaimi, it was reported.

The television reported that Iraq has acquired around 50 Pantsir complexes and 30 helicopters known as nocturnal hunters for their ability to meet mission for 24 hours a day, regardless of weather conditions.

Meanwhile Pantsir are equipped with intelligent radar, automatic function and are very effective in defending against aircraft, cruise missiles, precision weapons and supporting anti-aircraft forces during the massive bombing of the enemy.

This visit will end on Thursday, when President Vladimir Putin will receive the visitors to discuss the prospects of Russian-Iraqi cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian fields, reported the press service of the head of state.

A note delivered to the media states that one of the key topics of the talks will be possible further collaboration in joint investments and participation in energy projects in Russian corporations.

Putin will take advantage of Maliki's visit to talk about the Middle East situation and the need for a political solution to the conflict that destroys Syria, without violation of the sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of the Arab state.

Northrop Grumman, AgustaWestland Announce Teaming Agreement to Compete for Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and Navy 'Marine One' Presidential Helicopter Programs

Northrop Grumman Corporation  and AgustaWestland (AW), a Finmeccanica company, announced that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the U.S. Navy's recently announced program to develop a new "Marine One" presidential helicopter. A U.S.-built helicopter based on the AW101 platform will be offered by Northrop Grumman to meet these requirements.

The agreement pairs Northrop Grumman's proven management and systems integration expertise with AgustaWestland's world-renowned rotorcraft manufacturing and advanced helicopter design and development. The AW101 system offers both programs an optimum mix of capability to successfully bring the best possible new combat rescue helicopter to the Air Force and the best possible new presidential Helicopter to the Navy-Marine Corps team.

Northrop Grumman has a long history of success in managing the development of complex air systems. The company delivers products across a spectrum of capabilities – from fully autonomous strategic unmanned systems such as the Fire Scout and Global Hawk to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the stealthy B-2 bomber and the most advanced battle management system in the world today, the E-8 Joint STARS. That record will be coupled with the continuous investment in rotorcraft technology development AgustaWestland has made to field the world's most advanced, rugged and reliable helicopters.

Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland are partnering to offer affordable systems that are total solutions without compromise. These will be proven, advanced rotorcraft, built in the United States and fully integrated with the most advanced mission suites, integrated onboard sensors and communications systems available today. These systems will meet the future needs of both programs. The AW101 system is a mature, reliable, highly capable and combat-proven multimission aircraft that affordably meets the needs of the nation's combat search and rescue forces and will serve the nation's presidents far into the future.

"This is a strong partnership between two companies that combines each company's strengths," said Paul Meyer, vice president and general manager of advanced programs and technology at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "While Northrop Grumman has broad expertise in systems integration of large aircraft programs, AgustaWestland has world-leading expertise in global rotorcraft and vertical lift. We believe that this industry partnership will bring together the best experience, expertise and resources, ensuring that the customer receives the best solution."

"We are delighted to have Northrop Grumman as a partner, with their impressive history of supporting the U.S. Department of Defense," said Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland. "We strongly believe that the AW101 is the right aircraft for both missions and that this team can succeed."

AgustaWestland is a global leader in the military and commercial rotorcraft markets and has more than 100 years of experience in the aerospace industry. AgustaWestland now supports over 4,700 aircraft in over 90 countries and has the widest and most modern range of rotorcraft of any manufacturer for military, government and commercial applications. Please visit www.agustawestland.com for more information.

PZL Swidnik unveils SW-4 Solo prototype

PZL-Świdnik SA, an AgustaWestland company, has unveiled the prototype of the SW-4 Solo Rotorcraft Unmanned Air System/Optionally Piloted Helicopter (RUAS/OPH) single engine rotorcraft at MSPO 2012 in Kielce, Poland.

The companies hope The SW-4 Solo, created through a collaboration of their engineering teams, will allow them to play a major role in a UAV sector which shows significant growth potential and market opportunities.

“Unveiling the first ever Polish rotary-winged unmanned air system at MSPO 2012 demonstrate the leading role PZL-Świdnik SA is playing in the world’s rotorcraft industry," said Nicola Bianco, managing director of PZL-Świdnik SA. "For our company, remote controlled and unpiloted airborne capabilities are becoming synonymous with the highest possible technology achievements in aeronautics.”

The SW-4 Solo is designed to deliver maximum flexibility to operators thanks to the capability of performing both piloted and unmanned missions in land and maritime environments. In a RUAS configuration it can perform maritime, border and battlefield surveillance; target acquisition and reconnaissance; homeland security, environmental monitoring, ground survey and mapping, disaster / battle damage assessment and cargo supply.

As an optionally piloted platform, the helicopter is also suited for passenger transport and training with 1 + 4 crashworthy seats.

The SW-4 Solo can be fitted with a comprehensive mission equipment suite, incorporating surveillance sensors, communication/intelligence systems and armament.

The SW-4 RUAS prototype is expected to perform its maiden flight in a piloted configuration in the upcoming months while the first unmanned flight is expected to be performed in 2013.

Eurocopter Delivers Two NH90s to France’s DGA for their Deployment by the French Army and Navy

The ceremony celebrating this dual delivery was held at Marignane, the manufacturer’s headquarters, and was attended by the DGA, Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter Group’s Executive Officer for France & Vice President of Global Business and Services, and a number of representatives from France’s armed forces.

The NH90 TTH delivered to the DGA today will be handed over to the French Army Air Corps for use in training the first aircrews at the French Armed Forces Training Center (CFIA) at Le Cannet des Maures. The aircraft is the 100th NH90 TTH to be delivered.

The NH90 NFH will enter into service at the Hyères naval air base, where preparations will be made for the deployment of its operational capabilities on frigates.

“This delivery of two versions of the NH90 on the same day is a major step in the historical relationship between Eurocopter and our customer, the French state,” said Maudet. “We are especially proud to play a part in the important missions that the French armed forces will carry out in the interest of the French nation with these technologically advanced aircraft.”

The NH90 TTH helicopters will progressively replace the Pumas in service with the French Army Air Corps. The next-generation NH90 TTH has been designed to perform a wide range of missions—even the most demanding, such as utility transport and logistics, combat SAR, medical evacuations, special forces operations and anti-terrorism.

In its final operational configuration, the NH90 is equipped with field-tested avionics that enable the helicopter to carry out is missions both day and night regardless of the weather conditions. It also has high-performance self-protection equipment, a military communication system that is interoperable for international operations, and equipment for ship-based deployment.

Designed to replace the Lynx and Super Frelon fleets, the NH90 NFH helicopters ordered by France will carry out maritime SAR, anti-terrorism and anti-submarine missions from the naval air bases at Hyères and Lanvéoc-Poulmic.

The NH90 NFH boasts a state-of-the-art weapons system that combines, as part of a high-performance platform, a package of ultra-modern electronic, acoustic and optronic sensors as well as weapons loads adapted to anti-ship and anti-submarine missions. The helicopter also performs SAR, amphibious, maritime surveillance and anti-piracy missions.

The six NH90 final assembly lines currently operational in France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Australia and Spain are under the supervision of NHIndustries, a consortium jointly owned by Eurocopter, AgustaWestland and Fokker Aerostructures, which respectively hold 62.5 percent, 32 percent and 5.5 percent stakes.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.