MILDS Offer German Military Helicopters Improved Protection

Released on Monday, July 14, 2008

EADS Defence & Security (DS) will modernise 40 German helicopters of the type CH-53 as part of a product improvement project. As a sub-contractor of Eurocopter Germany, Defence Electronics, an integrated Business Unit of EADS DS, is supplying important subsystems from the self-protection, avionics and logistics sector. As the company announced, the order is worth around 40 million euros.

Eurocopter built the German CH-53 helicopters under licence at the end of the 1960s and, as the company responsible for the weapon system, has already equipped 20 helicopters with, for example, Defence Electronics' MILDS missile warning system for deployment abroad.

"The product improvement programme not only increases the capability of the transport helicopters, but also primarily protects man and equipment," emphasised Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. "Above all, during deployment abroad in demanding regions from the point of view of climate, geography and politics, personal protection and safety have the highest priority when missions are planned and executed. Our products can provide effective support in this respect."

Defence Electronics contributes to product improvement with a number of special capabilities to ensure that the helicopters are ready for use and to guarantee interoperability with the Tiger and NH90 helicopters. These include the delivery of the tactical management computer ETMC (EuroGrid Tactical Management Computer) for providing pilots with displays of up-to-date, electronic maps and the corresponding tactical information. The Operations Support System EUA (Einsatzunterst�tzungsanlage) for the Tiger and NH90 helicopters of the German Armed Forces combines operational command and control with technical logistic support of a weapon system. This means the system increases operational efficiency and enhances the deployment capabilities of helicopter squadrons at the same time. The integrated Electronic Warfare Suite for protection against missile attacks consists of radar warner, ALTAS laser warner, MILDS missile warning system, chaff/flare system and the electronic warfare system controller. The Military Obstacle Warning System (MilOWS) is also an option. It shows and warns pilots about even the thinnest of obstacles in the flight direction at a very early stage.