Thales, Westland form new partnership

Thales Avionics and Westland Helicopters have signed a collaboration agreement to meet the requirements of the UK's Battlefield Light Utility Helicopter (BLUH) and Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft (SCMR), know known as 'Future Lynx', based on AgustaWestland's helicopter.

Thales will be responsible for the design development, supply and integration of s range of communications, navigation and flight management electronics, including secure communications control, navigation and homing systems, antennas and avionics management systems.

Thales is currently developing the SATURN communications and Central Tactical System avionics upgrade for the Lynx HMA Mk8, under the company's largest single prime contract to date. Already selected during the Lynx Light Utility Helicopter programme the Thales AMS2000 Control Display Navigation unit and the RA800M Secure Communication Control System will form part of the core avionics system.

Paul Kahn, managing director of Thales Avionics said, "This partnership has developed from a long and successful working relationship between Thales and Westlands on Lynx, Sea King and EH101."

REF XQQEE XQQSA XQQLD