"Hellas" obstacle warning system from EADS/Dornier being tested for use on US helicopters
Friedrichshafen/Germany, 26 November 2001
EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company is developing its position in the American market. As Dornier GmbH, an affiliate of EADS, announced on Monday, the helicopter obstacle warning system "Hellas" (Helicopter Laser Radar) has been included in an extensive test programme by the US Department of Defence. This programme is to investigate the possible use of Hellas on US Armed Forces helicopters over the next two years. Tests are planned on Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters amongst others. Through testing this high-performance product, the aim is to significantly increase the safety of the helicopters and their crews and to extend operational capability as part of the modernisation programmes which are planned for 2004 onwards.
Dr. Stefan Zoller, Chairman of the Dornier Executive Board and Head of the EADS Systems & Defence Electronics Business Unit, stated: "Inclusion in the US Armed Forces Foreign Comparative Testing Program confirms the high technological standard of our systems and offers us the possibility to further strengthen our good transatlantic relations." Since 1980, the Foreign Comparative Testing Program provides the U.S. armed forces an opportunity to test products developed in allied nations when similar U.S. products are not available. Johann Heitzmann, Head of Airborne Systems at EADS, said: "Thanks to our extensive experience with radar and avionics systems, we have developed a globally unique product - Hellas - which opens up good opportunities in both the military and civil markets."
The Hellas warning system has been successfully tested on various models of helicopter (CH53, UH1D, BK 117, EC 135, EC 145). The helicopters of Germany's Federal Border Guard will be equipped with this system by Spring 2002. A laser radar which is harmless to the human eye locates obstacles in the flight path with high precision - such as high-voltage power lines -and warns the pilot via optical and acoustic signals.
With a workforce of approx. 5700 employees at several sites in Germany and France, the EADS Systems & Defence Electronics (S&DE) Business Unit is one of the most important defence electronics suppliers in Europe. Alongside avionic systems, Airborne Systems develops and manufactures on-board radars and systems for electronic warfare. It is participating in a number of programmes including production of the Eurofighter radar and also the self protection system and further avionic systems for the Franco-German "Tiger" helicopter and the European five-nation NH90 helicopter programme.
With revenues amounting to EUR 24.2 billion and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest defence technology and aerospace company in Europe and the second largest worldwide.
Friedrichshafen, 26 November 2001
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