Thales unveiled a new ultra compact airborne surveillance radar. With a 30% lower SWaP (size, weight and power) than the other radars in its class, the new AirMaster C is compatible with more aircraft sizes and types, including naval drones, MALE UAVs, ISR aircrafts and helicopters.
The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) is to supply four H160s to the French Navy for search and rescue missions through a partnership between Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, and Safran Helicopter Engines. The contract was awarded on January 31, 2020. The French Navy will start operating these helicopters in 2022 for a period of ten years.
Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are pursuing a new set of studies to further the militarization of the H160 and to define its associated support ecosystem in the context of the Joint Light Helicopter program (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL).
The French Navy recently launched a tender calling for construction work at the Lanvéoc-Poulmic naval air base (BAN) prior to delivery of an interim fleet of Airbus Helicopter H160-type light multirole helicopters.
French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, today announced that the future Light Joint Helicopter (HIL program) of the French military will be named "Guepard" (Cheetah). She also announced that its procurement will be accelerated.
