Le radar Searchwater de Thales utilise un système innovant assurant une visibilité à 360° sous l’hélicoptère Merlin, et qui se replie sur le flanc de l’aéronef lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé. - photo Thales

29 mai 2015 par Aerobuzz.fr

Thales a été retenu au Royaume-Uni dans le cadre du projet Crowsnest pour fournir à la Royal Navy un nouveau système de surveillance et de contrôle aéroporté destiné à assurer la protection des forces interarmées et des porte-avions de classe Queen Elizabeth.

Au terme d’un appel d’offres industriel, Lockheed Martin, maître d’œuvre du ministère de la Défense britannique pour le programme des hélicoptères Merlin, a retenu la nouvelle génération du radar Searchwater et du système de mission Cerberus de Thales. Les hélicoptères Merlin de la Royal Navy, qui seront adaptés en conséquence, disposeront ainsi de capacités de pointe en matière de surveillance et de contrôle aéroportés (ASaC1).

Suite de l'article

Apr 2, 2014 ASDNews Source : Lutra Associates Ltd

    First Major MOD Production order for team formed around Lutra Associates

Training in embarking, disembarkation and escape drills on the Puma and Merlin helicopter is to be provided on two simulators to be supplied by Lutra Associates, in partnership with Oxford Specialist Coachbuilders. This £200,000 plus contract has been placed by the UK MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support Commercial team at Army HQ following a competitive tender.

The two units, which will be housed in modified ISO containers, have been designed to be easily moved to wherever the training is required. This will result in the Joint Helicopter Command and the Royal Air Force saving money and being able to re-allocate aircraft to more operational uses whilst at the same time providing improved skill levels for the troops being trained.

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Sep 11, 2013 ASDNews Source : Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)

    The MOD has awarded a GBP367 million contract to provide engine maintenance for 2 of the UK's military helicopter fleets.

The 6-year agreement with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca will deliver essential support for the Army’s Apaches and the Merlin helicopters used by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. The new contract will deliver savings of more than £300 million compared to previous arrangements.

Both the Apaches and the Merlins, which operate around the world and have had extensive service in Afghanistan, are powered by the same RTM322 engines.

By simplifying the supply chain, improving technical support and increasing the availability of spare parts, the new contract will help to reduce the numbers of major repairs needed on the airframes, keeping them in the air for longer.

Work will be carried out at 4 bases where the Apaches and Merlins operate - RAF Benson, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Army Air Corps airfields at Wattisham and Middle Wallop and at Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca sites in the UK and France.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said: “This contract will provide important support for our Merlin and Apache fleets, which play an vital role defending this country’s interests around the world. This includes defending the UK and protecting our personnel on operations in Afghanistan.

“By improving the way we work with industry to maintain our helicopters with contracts like these, we can keep Apache and Merlin helicopters in the air for longer, which also ensures best value for money, saving for the taxpayer £300 million over 6 years compared with the previous support arrangements.”

Air Commodore Mark Sibley, who is responsible for the maintenance of Apaches and Chinooks, said: “Merlins and Apaches have been used extensively in Afghanistan and are 2 key capabilities for our Armed Forces. This contract has a number of benefits for our Apache and Merlin crews, principally improving engine availability and reliability, while reducing costs.”