AgustaWestland orders Saab EI systems

Saab has announced that it has received an order from AgustaWestland for helicopter self-protection and electronic intelligence (EI) systems. The order, worth worth around SEK 100 Million (ZAR 130 Million), was announced on 21 December.

Saab’s family of Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) are designed to enhance the survivability of aircraft in sophisticated, diverse and dense threat environments, by providing a multi-sensor warning system including radar warning, laser warning and missile approach warning; integrated with the lightweight pyrotechnic dispensing system (BOP/L). The Electronic Surveillance Payload (ESP) is well suited to helicopter applications where a highly capable but compact lightweight electronic intelligence system is required.

According to Saab, under the contract it will deliver a configuration where the ESP is integrated with the IDAS system. The company said this enhances the capability of the system to perform high accuracy direction finding and emitter location.

Micael Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Electronic Defence Systems, said: ‘This contract strengthens our relationship as a key supplier to AgustaWestland and shows our ability to design and develop highly competitive Electronic Warfare self-protection and Electronic Intelligence systems. That AgustaWestland has selected us for the supply of this highly integrated self-protection and electronic intelligence system is a great proof of its capability.’

IDAS systems protect many aerial platforms including Saab 2000, AgustaWestland A109, A129, AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk, Denel Oryx, Eurocopter Puma and Super Puma, Eurocopter Cougar, NH Industries NH90, Lockheed Martin C-130B, H and L100, Su-30MKM and deliveries are ongoing for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv.

Deliveries under the contract are scheduled for the 2013-2015 period.