first Italian Navy serial production NH90

SELEX Elsag has received a contract from the Italian Ministry of Defence to deliver its laser obstacle avoidance and monitoring (LOAM) systems for installation on the Italian Navy’s tactical NH-90 helicopters.

The contract for the procurement of LOAM systems was signed at the recent 2012 Farnborough Airshow, which was held from 9-15 July in the UK.

The Italian Navy has ordered a total of 56 NH90s, ten of which will be configured for tactical transport and 46 for naval operations.

The Italian Navy has previously placed orders with AgustaWestland for the procurement of 46 NH90 naval frigate helicopters (NFH) to increase its operational capability and mission effectiveness.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Designed for rotary wing platforms, the SELEX Elsag-built LOAM auxiliary navigation system enables crew to adopt timely and effective countermeasures by detecting obstacles along the flight path, including power lines, ropeway wires and pillars.

Based on an eye-safe laser radar operating system, the LOAM system will enhance the situational awareness of the pilot, while providing increased level of safety when performing low-altitude flight during operational missions.

"The LOAM system will enhance the situational awareness of the pilot, while providing increased level of safety when performing low-altitude flight during operational missions."

The lightest and smallest laser obstacle warning system can be deployed in both standalone and integrated configurations on multiple types of helicopter.

Specifically designed to perform autonomous missions, the NH90 NFH variant can also carry out anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, such as search and rescue, maritime patrol, vertical replenishment, troop transport, medical evacuation and amphibious support.

Equipped with deck-lock and deck-traversing systems with an automatic blade, the helicopter features tail folding system to enable operations from small frigates during day and night, and in adverse weather conditions.

Under the £11m contract, the company will start delivery of LOAM systems to Italian Navy from 2013.


Image: The first Italian Navy serial production NH90 performed its first flight on 15 December 2005. Photo: © 2010 AgustaWestland – a Finmeccanica company.