SENER, Babcock complete AB-212 LEP
SENER and Babcock have officially completed the Spanish Navy's AB-212 helicopter life extension programme (LEP).
Under the PEVH AB-212 programme, carried out in a joint venture by SENER and Babcock, seven Spanish Navy AB-212 helicopters have been upgraded and delivered to the Spanish Defence Ministry's General Armaments and Materials Department.
The programme extends the useful life of the helicopters by at least 15 years.
The helicopters have been upgraded with surveillance radar, EO/IR vision system, self-protection and self-defence systems (ballistic protection, missile warning system MAWS, and a Gatling type defensive weapon), GPS navigation system with moving map and cargo hoist. Navigation and instrument systems have been replaced by a new full glass cockpit, NVG compatible, and integrated with new mission systems. Additionally, the helicopters have been upgraded with modern communications systems and avionics systems.
SENER has been responsible for the production support, definition and validation of the development and functional verification tests, as well as the solution of incidents detected during the certification phase.
Babcock's Design and Certification team has been responsible for the design and integration of certain systems, as well as the industrialisation process and ground and flight certification tests. The company has also been in charge of the National Aerospace Technical Institute certification process.
Babcock's Design and Certification team has succeeded in obtaining new certifications from INTA that will enhance military aircraft operations, with the option to fit armour plating as well as military tactical communications.
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