French Navy announces Panther helicopter upgrade

The French Navy has revealed details of a midlife upgrade programme for its AS 565MA Panther helicopters. Under an EUR80 million (USD111.5 million) contract awarded by the French ministry of defence procurement agency, the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l´Armement), all 16 aircraft in the fleet will be upgraded and delivered by the end of 2014. The programme will include the installation of a new-generation glass cockpit that is compatible with night-vision goggles; a tactical situation system from SIAE; a flight-management system with GPS; Link 11 data capability; an improved communications system; Sagem Défense Sécurité's EUROFLIR 410 electro-optical/infrared sensor systems and a self-protection suite developed by Thales, EADS and MBDA

[first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 27 May 2009]