Anti-submarine warfare: NH90 with FLASH SONICS sonars

Thales strengthens the capabilities of the German Navy for anti-submarine warfare by equipping the multi-role frigate helicopter NH90 with FLASH SONICS sonars.

• The German Ministry of Defense (member of NAHEMA*) has awarded Thales the contract to equip the multi-role frigate helicopter NH90 with FLASH SONICS dipping sonars and sonobuoy processing systems.
• With more than 500 FLASH-based systems ordered or already deployed by various navies, this innovative Thales solution provides high performance in deep and shallow waters.
• The new configuration of the multi-role frigate helicopter NH90 includes the latest processing technology for a significant operational improvement. It will be the first helicopter to use the new Thales SonoFlash sonobuoy in addition to the world-leading FLASH dipping sonar.

For the first time, the German Navy is relying on Thales and its FLASH SONICS sonars for the equipment of their multi-role frigate helicopter NH90 (MRFH). The FLASH system (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) is currently the leading dipping sonar on the international market and has become the benchmark system for the world's largest naval fleets.

In a world where naval fleets face growing and sometimes unforeseen threats and challenges, anti-submarine warfare has been rediscovered as a key discipline of the 21st century, and Thales' FLASH dipping sonar product range contains the best solutions to ensure the performance and safety of navies.

Some of the key advantages of this low-frequency broadband sonar include long-range detection and low false alarm rates in open seas and coastal waters. Combined with an active and passive sonobuoy processing system, FLASH offers a unique anti-submarine warfare capability. The short dipping cycle time combined with the latest Thales BlueTracker (SONICS) buoy processing capability allows for unparalleled area coverage. This version of FLASH SONICS includes the latest technology available.

Whether ordered or already in use by 18 navies – including the US Navy, Royal Navy, French Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Norwegian Navy, and South Korean Navy – FLASH has proven its unique capabilities and reliability at sea in all environments.

“We are proud that the German Navy and NHIndustries have entrusted us with equipping their multi-role frigate helicopter NH90 with our FLASH SONICS solutions for anti-submarine warfare. This is the result of many years of hard work to meet the needs of our customers and provide them with a reliable solution tailored to their needs. The German Navy will receive the most powerful version of FLASH SONICS ever delivered by Thales – for optimal operational service, including SonoFlash processing,” comments Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, Managing Director, Thales Underwater Systems.

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