€150m order completes EADS Defence & Security's electronic warfare responsibility in the A400M programme
- Self-protection ground station increases aircraft survivability
- Software-based system creates threat libraries
27 May 2008
EADS Defence & Security (DS) will be supplying the Electronic Warfare (EW) self-defence ground station of the A400M transport aircraft, a further core element of the A400M’s self-protection system. This software-based planning tool pre-configures the on-board protection measures in order to ensure that the aircraft during its mission can respond to upcoming threats appropriately. As reported during the Berlin Airshow, Defence Electronics (DE), an integrated Business Unit of DS, received a direct order valued at approximately 150 million euros for the delivery of the so-called “Pre-flight Message Support Environment” (PFMSE) from Airbus Military S.L.
PFMSE is a software-based system used to program the A400M self-protection system. It enables the customer to create a library of expected threats and make a pre-selection of possible electronic countermeasures. PFMSE increases the effectiveness of the self-protection system and thus the aircraft’s survivability during missions.
"This order means that DE with its comprehensive experience in electronic warfare is now covering all the major elements of the A400M’s self-defence system", explained Bernhard Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics.
DE is already responsible for all the A400M military avionics, i.e. for all the systems used for managing the electronic self-protection and military missions. To this end DE has developed one of the world’s most powerful mission computers. Moreover, DE also supplies the self-protection computer, the infrared missile warner MIRAS and the digital map generator. Besides this, DE is involved in the development and production of, among other things, the radar warner, the military radar and the identification system of the A400M. With PFMSE, DE is now extending its work share to include the ground systems, being jointly responsible with Military Air Systems (MAS) for the MPRS mission planning equipment. Furthermore, DE provides the Eurofighter and NH90 programmes with similar ground stations.
Defence Electronics is an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.
Contact:
| Lothar Belz |
Tel.: +49 (0) 731.392.3681 mailto: lothar.belz@eads.com |
