Thales sonar selected for Lynx light helicopter
Thales compact dipping sonars will equip AgustaWestland Lynx light helicopters for export markets following the signing of a new contract between the two companies, announced on 6 February. Thales will supply its Folding Light Acoustic Systems for Helicopters (FLASH) compact system, designed to bring smaller helicopters a full and effective sonar suite.
The FLASH compact is the latest addition to Thales’ FLASH range, and is designed for smaller and lighter helicopters than those already using the FLASH sonar. It features an optimised, lightweight architecture as well as a fully electric reeling machine so that small helicopters such as the Lynx light can deploy the high-performance sonar system for anti-submarine warfare missions.
Benoit Plantier, managing director of Thales Underwater Systems, said: ‘We are very proud that AgustaWestland has chosen us as the supplier for their Lynx helicopters, further consolidating a partnership that dates back more than 10 years on the NH90 programme. This contract confirms Thales’s expertise in anti-submarine warfare and also marks the first success for our new FLASH Compact sonar.’
The new FLASH compact builds on Thales’ previous work with dipping sonars, which includes systems in service on the French NH90 NFH, the UK Merlin EH101, the Norwegian and Swedish NH90 and the US MH60-R.
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