Finmeccanica UK

Integrated Rotorcraft Systems

In the UK, Finmeccanica designs, develops and integrates helicopter systems that can be adapted to a wide range of commercial and military missions. Best known for its military helicopters such as the AW101 Merlin, AW159 Wildcat, Lynx and Apache AH.1 used today by British Armed Forces, The company prides itself on developing and bringing to market leading-edge technologies.

For the military utility market, the company is developing the AW149 and for commercial applications, including Search and Rescue, it is developing the new generation AW169 and AW189 helicopters which alongside the AW139 form a family of advanced helicopters across the 4 to 8 tonne weight categories. The creation of a new VIP Helicopter Completions Centre in Yeovil adds an extra dimension to Finmeccanica’s capabilities in the UK as part of plans to diversify the business.

The focus on increasing civil production and creating a civil helicopter hub in the UK results in greater retention of key design and engineering skills, the ability to widen the apprenticeship programme, and expanding links with universities. When taken together, these keep the UK at the cutting edge of rotorcraft research and development. The investment will also support the UK design and development of advanced tiltrotors, which combine the benefits of a helicopter and an aeroplane in one aircraft. Work is focused on both enhanced performance and tiltrotor systems integration.

Leading-edge Technologies

In the UK, with expertise in design, development, production and integration, Finmeccanica's Defence Systems division supplies avionic suites, threat warning sensors, electronic countermeasures, latest generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and electro-optic sensors, as well as support and training solutions for complete rotary wing operation, awareness and protection.

The company plays a key role in UK MoD rotorcraft programmes, with the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) protecting UK Apache AH Mk.1 and AW159 Wildcat helicopters, the Aircraft Gateway Processor (AGP), modified with HIDAS software, selected to upgrade RAF Chinook and Puma Mk.1 helicopters and the Titan 385ES-HD EO/IR turret chosen to upgrade the Chinook helicopter fleet. It is also leading the industry team as prime partner to the Common Defensive Aids System (CDAS) Technology Demonstrator Programme.

We supply SRT-270 High-Frequency radio communication systems to equip CH-47 transport helicopters in the Mk.6 versions, purchased by the UK MoD, and provide training systems to support the Medium Support Helicopters Aircrew Training Facility at RAF Benson. In addition, the company is the UK’s major producer of Data Programming and Operational Analysis Support tools to the MoD.

Finmeccanica is also an established provider of professional training services to a wide range of military, commercial and industrial customers around the world. Building on core competencies in high-quality rotary wing and military systems training, the company is committed to developing and expanding its training portfolio to meet both the current and future training needs of all of its customers.

Finmeccanica has a Training Academy in Yeovil and an Operational Flying Training Centre at Newquay Cornwall Airport. Additionally, it provides training at Ministry of Defence sites for the Apache and Merlin and, in 2011, was contracted to design, develop and build an integrated training centre for the AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.