Hensoldt has received the first order from Airbus Helicopters for the supply of airborne missile protection system (AMPS) for deployment on its helicopters.
The order forms part of a framework agreement, which was signed late last year. The agreement has an initial term of ten years and does not include any minimum purchase requirement.
The current order requires Hensoldt to deliver 20 complete AMPS systems for the Airbus military multirole helicopter H145M in 2019-20.
Integration of the AMPS is expected to offer protection to the helicopters.
Hensoldt project manager Daniel Ehbauer said: “The present framework agreement allows us to supply our airborne self-protection system for all Airbus Helicopters platforms without having to prepare an offer in advance.
“This reduces the amount of administration between the former sister companies considerably and defines clear conditions for project processing.”
The company’s AMPS systems are available in two standard configurations for different applications.
Standard modules include missile launch detection system (MILDS), MILDS Block 2 and advanced control and display unit (ACDU).
Hensoldt and Airbus also incorporated provisions in the agreement to facilitate the gradual extension of the contract with the delivery of additional equipment.
The framework creates the general conditions to enable the extension of the systems and functionalities.
In a statement, Hensoldt said: “Since the system can theoretically be used on all Airbus Helicopters platforms, the one-off costs will turn out to be much lower for the customer, or such costs may even not be incurred at all.”
Airbus Helicopters already uses Hensoldt’s AMPS systems on its H225M and H135M platforms.
Hensoldt also executed the initial AMPS-M project on the H145 platform.
