EADS supplies the Federal Border Police with the Hellas obstacle warning system for helicopters
ILA/Berlin, 10 May 2004
The Eurocopter helicopters (EC 135 and EC 155) deployed by the Federal Border Police (FBP) will be equipped with the HELLAS obstacle warning system developed by EADS Defence Electronics to enhance the pilots’ safety under difficult mission conditions.
According to an announcement made by the company at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, EADS Defence Electronics has been awarded a follow-up order for a further 18 Hellas systems. The border police helicopters of the type EC 135 and EC 155 currently in service are to be equipped with the 25 systems from the first delivery and with those from the current order.
“Hellas is a good example of how implementing the latest technology can make a concrete contribution to protecting people during operations under extreme conditions,” Bernhard Gerwert, CEO and President of EADS Defence Electronics explained.
The Helicopter Laser Radar (Hellas) scans its surroundings with an eye-safe laser beam and detects even thin wires at a great distance and with high precision. The pilot is given information on obstacles in the flight path, such as high-voltage transmission lines, wind power generators or trees, via optical and acoustic signals, which enable evasive action to be taken at an early stage. This means Hellas reduces the risks encountered during helicopter operations under difficult conditions, e.g. low altitude, poor visibility or insufficient information on where to land, and enhances flight safety considerably.
EADS Defence Electronics has also developed a military version of the Hellas system to meet the higher requirements for military operations and to equip the new NH90 helicopter. This version is also currently being adapted to helicopters deployed by the US Special Operation Forces.
EADS Defence Electronics supplies radar, avionics and electronic warfare systems for aircraft, helicopters and UAVs as well as land-based defence systems and naval ships. Defence Electronics is an integrated part of the EADS Defence and Security Systems Division (DS), which forms the defence pole within EADS with revenues of over EUR 5.2 billion in 2003 and roughly 24,000 employees. DS offers integrated systems solutions to meet the new challenges confronting armed forces as well as the homeland security forces. It operates in the areas of military aircraft, guided missile systems, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems for manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Battlefield Management Systems, defence electronics and related services. EADS is a global leader in aerospace and defence technologies and the related services and generated revenues of over EUR 30 billion.
Press contact
| Lothar Belz | EADS Defence Electronics |
Tel.: +49 (0)731 392-3681 mailto: lothar.belz@sysde.eads.net |
