Midrand-based ATE and European helicopter giant Eurocopter has prototyped a new-generation Stand-Alone Weapon System (SAWS) suitable for any of the EADS subsidiary’s light and medium helicopter products.
The prototype was unveiled at the Paris Air Show this morning, fitted to an AS550 Fennec light military helicopter on Eurocopter`s static display. The Fennec is a military development of the AS350 Squirrel that is in service with the South African Police Service, amongst others.
No value was given for the deal underlying the joint development.
In a joint media release the two companies say the SAWS addresses “increased market demand for helicopters incorporating a weapon system able to match evolving mission scenarios in current and future conflicts.”
Eurocopter has proven capabilities in producing multi-role military platforms meeting operational requirements by armed forces worldwide. Similarly, ATE has unmatched expertise in weapon system development and subsystems integration on fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, the statement says.
ATE has a background in helicopter weapons systems, having been involved in the development of the South African Rooivalk attack helicopter. This knowledge was then applied to the Russian Mil Mi 24 and its successors.
The SAWS is composed of
· a core including:
o a mission and firing control computer,
o controls and components to interface the crew and the platform;
· a choice of sensors: FLIR, TV, HUD, HMSD, etcetera;
· a choice of guided weapons (Denel Dynamics ZT4 Ingwe and others) providing the necessary flexibility for a given mission; and
· a choice of unguided weapons.
The SAWS enables a range of missions, including:
· Surveillance and armed reconnaissance;
· Airborne command and control;
· close air support
· maritime patrol, littoral warfare, anti piracy tasks and coast guarding
· Potential for light anti-surface warfare and anrisubmarine warfare.
