Saab and NH Industries have signed a SKr2 billion ($188million) deal for the development of a tactical mission system (TMS) for NH90 helicopters ordered by the Swedish armed forces.
Sweden ordered 18 NH90s last year as part of the four-nation Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme. Five machines will be used for anti-submarine/surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) while others will be used for search and rescue and troop transport. The helicopters will be delivered in 2005-08.
Karl-Johan Berzelius, Saab helicopter programmes marketing director, says the system will be roll-on, roll-off so it can be transferred between machines and to allow all 18 helicopters to be used as transports. All machines will be fitted with the core system.
Berzelius says TMS development will be the first time that Saab group companies are integrated to build a complete system. Much of TMS will be derived from systems in the Saab JAS39 Gripen multirole fighter and Visby-class corvette, which is undergoing trials for the Swedish navy.
Saab Aerospace will be responsible for systems integration and programme management, while the Avionics business will produce the core system including the computer, digital map and digital recording systems. These will be based on modular avionics technology to provide upgrade flexibility and to allow Saab to offer the system for other platforms.
Saab subsidiary AerotechTelub will provide the ground-based mission support system, which will be already common to similar equipment in Swedish service, says Berzelius. SaabTech Systems will provide the mission management system combining the command and communications (C2), as well as the ASW/ASuW systems.
The five ASW/ASuW machines will have two roll-on/off lightweight 80kg (175lb) operator consoles, one for the C2 and the other for the ASW/ASuW operator. SAR machines will probably have a single console. Eight of the machines will be equipped with the Telephonics APS-143B maritime radar and ASW machines will receive yet- to-be selected electro-optical and acoustic systems. A dipping sonar will be installed in the cabin.
Source: Flight International
