Saab to supply Merlin helicopters

Saab has received an order from Lockheed-Martin, UK for the mass data storage and recording system for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) upgrade for the Merlin helicopters.

9/8/2006 | “This is a strategic contract for Saab Avitronics and an important step to further strengthen our market position in the recording and monitoring area for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters”, says Björn Erman, President and Managing Director of Saab Avitronics.
The order is worth MGBP 7 (MSEK 92).

Photo of Merlin helicopter.

Image: Merlin helicopter.

Mission recording for intelligence, training, debriefing and analysis is important for the effectiveness of an aircraft system and a growing area within avionics.The Merlin mass data storage and recording system is a version of the Saab High Resolution Mission Recorder (DiRECT HR) which features recording of multiple high-resolution video channels together with audio and extensive aircraft and sensor data. In addition, it also acts as a mission data transfer unit and a server for digital map data. The DiRECT HR is modular in design and can easily be adapted for different applications and for future requirements.

Great experience

Saab has over 30 years of experience in developing and manufacturing advanced airborne recording systems. The company’s recording product portfolio ranges from the DiRECT CR, two – four video channel cockpit recorders, to the multi-functional DiRECT HR.

Saab’s recording systems are used on both advanced fighter aircraft (Gripen and EF-18) and helicopters (NH90 Swedish version). They are based on digital solid-state technology and advanced image compression and are supported by ground evaluation stations.

Strengthened product portfolio

Resulting from the acquisition of the avionics company Aerospace Monitoring and Systems (AMS) earlier this year, Saab has strengthened its avionics product portfolio with data acquisition units, monitoring and recording products and installation base (Hawk, SU-30, Eurocopter Tiger, Rooivalk and A109).