AgustaWestland has awarded a contract to Thales to deliver the compact folding light acoustic system for helicopters (FLASH) Sonics dipping sonars in support of the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROK) new AW159 maritime operations helicopter programme.
Under the contract, Thales will supply compact FLASH Sonics dipping sonars for installation onboard AW159 maritime helicopters.
Designed for smaller helicopters, the FLASH active low-frequency airborne sonar system features an optimised, lightweight architecture as well as a fully electric reeling machine.
Thales Underwater Systems managing director Benoit Plantier said: "We are delighted that AgustaWestland has placed its trust in Thales to equip its new helicopter, and proud to have the Republic of Korea Navy as the latest customer to adopt our FLASH family of dipping sonars."
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By GlobalDataDeveloped to meet the weight and size requirements of smaller helicopters, the FLASH Compact sonar when integrated with the sonobuoy processing system acts as a complete and effective sonar suite for light aircraft.
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Operated as an integrated tactical system or a stand-alone system, the dipping sonars can be used to detect, classify, locate, track and engage enemy submarines and perform mine clearance operations.
When linked with an active / passive sonobuoy processing system, the FLASH Sonics configuration system provides anti-submarine warfare capability, as well as helping identify small, slow moving or stationary underwater targets.
The Thales-built family of dipping sonars are currently in service on the French NH90 NFH, the UK Royal Navy’s Merlin EH101, Norwegian and Swedish NH90, the US Navy’s MH60-R, and the UAE’s Super Puma helicopter.
The AW159 is a new generation multi-role military helicopter designed to conduct array of missions ranging from both shore and ship bases, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, maritime security and maritime surveillance, even in hot and high environments.
Powered by LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, the helicopter features modern integrated cockpit, a fully integrated avionics suite and mission system to provide increased mission capability and increased crew effectiveness.
Image: AgustaWestland-built AW 159 helicopter during its flight. Photo: courtesy of Chris Lofting.
