Thales to equip AW159 helicopters for Republic of Korea Navy
Further success for Thales's COMPACT FLASH sonar
Neuilly sur Seine, 22nd October 2013 – AgustaWestland and Thales are under contract to
supply COMPACT FLASH SONICS dipping sonars for the Republic of Korea Navy's new
AW159 Maritime Operations Helicopters.
The COMPACT FLASH sonar is the newest member of Thales's FLASH range of dipping
sonars. This low­frequency, long­range sonar system is lighter and designed for smaller
helicopters. It features an optimised, lightweight architecture as well as a fully electric reeling
machine. The COMPACT FLASH delivers outstanding performance. The SONICS version
also includes a complete sonobuoy processing system, with a VHF receiver, picking up
sonobuoy data and processing it in real time on board the helicopter.
By simultaneously processing data from the dipping sonar and from active and passive
sonobuoys, the COMPACT FLASH provides the new intermediate­class helicopters with an
unparalleled anti­submarine warfare capability.
"We are delighted that AgustaWestland has placed its trust in Thales to equip its new
helicopter, and proud to have the Republic of Korea Navy as the latest customer to adopt our
FLASH family of dipping sonars," said Benoit Plantier, Managing Director of Thales
Underwater Systems.
Thales has an extensive installed base of FLASH SONICS systems in service with the naval
forces of France (NH90 NFH), the United Kingdom (Merlin EH101), Norway (NH90), the
United States (MH60­R), Sweden (NH90), Australia (MH60R) and the United Arab Emirates
(Super Puma). This latest contract further consolidates the Group's world leadership position
in airborne anti­submarine warfare systems.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace & Transportation and the Defence & Security
markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56
countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop
and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales
has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and
local partners. www.thalesgroup.com
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Press contact:
Thales, Media Relations – Land & Naval Defence
Sonia Le Guével
Tel: +33 1 57 77 91 60
45, rue de Villiers – 92526 Neuilly­sur­Seine Cedex – France – Tel: +33 (0)1 57 77 86 26 – Fax: +33 (0)1 57 77 87 44
www.thalesgroup.com
[email protected]
45, rue de Villiers – 92526 Neuilly­sur­Seine Cedex – France – Tel: +33 (0)1 57 77 86 26 – Fax: +33 (0)1 57 77 87 44
www.thalesgroup.com