Thales To Build AW159 Helicopters' Sonars For S. Korea

Thales will supply Compact Flash Sonics dipping sonars for the Republic of Korea Navy's new AW159 Maritime Operations Helicopters. 

The Compact Flash sonar is the newest member of Thales's Flash range of dipping sonars. This low-frequency, long-range sonar system is lighter and designed for smaller helicopters. It features an optimised, lightweight architecture as well as a fully electric reeling machine. The Compact Flash delivers outstanding performance. The Sonics version also includes a complete sonobuoy processing system, with a VHF receiver, picking up sonobuoy data and processing it in real time on board the helicopter. 

By simultaneously processing data from the dipping sonar and from active and passive sonobuoys, the Compact Flash provides the new intermediate-class helicopters with an unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capability. 

Thales has an extensive installed base of Flash Sonics systems in service with the naval forces of France (NH90 NFH), the United Kingdom (Merlin EH101), Norway (NH90), the United States (MH60-R), Sweden (NH90), Australia (MH60R) and the United Arab Emirates (Super Puma).