Babcock France has selected Safran Electronics & Defense to provide its Euroflir 410 optronic (electro-optical) system.
Euroflir 410 will be equipped on the French Navy’s four H160 helicopters.
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In February, the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), in partnership with Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, and Safran Helicopter Engines, planned to deliver four H160s to the French Navy.
The Euroflir 410 NG is designed to identify the registration number of a ship or a person in distress from a huge distance, which increases its combat capabilities.
The French Navy can carry out search and rescue (SAR) missions from bases in Brittany (Lanvik-Monument) and the English Channel (Cherbourg).
EuroflirTM 410 can offer unparalleled observation capability in all visibility conditions due to its multispectral long-range telescope and high-quality stability.
It is also equipped with high-definition video camera (HDTV) and a medium-wave infrared (MWIR) imager. The multispectral architecture features supplementary cameras capable of operating in severe maritime environments.
The first helicopter with the Euroflir 410 is expected to be delivered in 2022.
The four H160 helicopters, which will be used for search and rescue missions, will be operated for ten years by the French Navy from 2022.
The rotorcraft will form the interim fleet, which includes 12 Dauphin N3 helicopters also equipped with Euroflir 410.
Babcock will improve the H160 aircraft to meet the changing operational needs of the French Navy.
In addition, the feedback from naval operations will be used to design the military version of the H160 known as the Guépard (Leopard).
In May, Acacia Systems and Thomas Global Systems were subcontracted by Safran Electronics to support the Royal Australian Navy’s Attack-class submarines.
