GDUK contracted for UK Merlin MK4/4a mission systems
General Dynamics UK will provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters under a contract awarded by AgustaWestland.
AgustaWestland is running the Merlin Life Extension Programme to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations. The equipment to be supplied by General Dynamics UK - a Tactical Processing System and Secure Data Recorder – will be installed on the aircraft to provide increased performance and capability.
General Dynamics UK’s Tactical Processing Systems integrate a range of sensor and application information for display in the cockpit, encrypted data storage and tactical datalink capability.
The Secure Data Recorder provides an accredited security solution that allows a user operating in unfriendly environments to safely record and store data for further use. The system enables the transfer of data on and off all types of platforms using an encrypted memory cartridge. Typical data transfers include the uploading of mission and digital map data, along with the extraction of recorded data such as radar and electro-optical sensors, voice and data communications and tactical mission data.
Steve Rowbotham, chief operating officer, General Dynamics UK, said: ‘This contract continues the successful long-term collaborative relationship between General Dynamics UK and AgustaWestland. It is testament to the advanced mission systems provided by General Dynamics UK, which are currently installed on a range of fixed-wing and rotary platforms around the world.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
