Terma has received the contract to supply modular aircraft survivability equipment pod for the RNLAF NH-90 helicopters. Photo TERMA.
30 January 2015 airforce-technology.com
Terma has been awarded a contract to supply self-protection equipment for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) NH-90 multi-role military helicopters.
Under the contract, the company will supply and integrate the modular aircraft survivability (MASE) pod onto the Dutch NH-90 helicopters.
Terma Defense & Security Airborne Applications vice-president Jesper Petersen said: "This strongly indicates that RNLAF have confidence in our solutions.
"This applies to system performance, the entire process, and the collaboration between the air force and Terma."
The MASE pod is equipped with missile warning sensors, chaff / flare dispenser modules, and latest version of Terma's ALQ-213 electronic warfare management system. It protects medium and large helicopters against heat-seeking missiles, while simultaneously improving the pilot's situational awareness.
The pod's modular design allows for future integration of coming sensors and new requirements.
Originally, the pod was developed in 2003 for installation on the AH-64D Apache helicopter. It has since been fielded on other helicopter platforms including CH-47D/F Chinook, AS 550 Fennec, EH-101 Merlin, HH-60G Pave Hawk, as well as Mi17, and Mi24 platforms.
Terma has partnered with the RNLAF and the Netherlands' Defence Materiel Organization for more than 20 years, integrating the electronic warfare solutions on a variety of aircraft platforms.
The NH-90 is a medium sized helicopter built by NH Industries in two variants, namely tactical transport helicopter, to transport 20 troops or 2500kg of cargo for standard heliborne operations, and an antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft called Nato frigate helicopter (NFH).
The RNLAF and the Dutch Navy currently operate the NH90 NFH helicopters.
Apart from the Netherlands, the helicopters are also used by Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, and New Zealand.