General Dynamics [GD] was awarded a contract by Finmeccanica‘s AgustaWestland to provide mission system equipment for the U.K. AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopter, GD said on Dec. 8.
The contract is part of the larger Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) awarded to AgustaWestland by the U.K. Ministry of Defense in January 2014. The MLSP is to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations.
The equipment GD is set to deliver includes a Tactical Processing System and Secure Data Recorder. These items will provide increased performance and capability onboard the helicopters, GD said in a statement
The Tactical Processing System integrates a range of sensor and application information for display in the cockpit, encrypted data storage, and tactical datalink capability. GD’s system is currently installed on the U.K. and export variants of the AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.
The Secure Data Recorder provides an accredited security solution that allows a user operating in unfriendly environments to record and store data for further use, the company said. It also enables the transfer of data on and off all types of platforms using an encrypted memory cartridge. Data transfers include the uploading of mission and digital map data, the extraction of recorded data like radar and electro-optical sensors, voice and data communications, and tactical mission data.
“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,” Steve Rowbotham, Chief Operating Officer at General Dynamics UK, said in a statement.