Hensoldt equips Ukrainian helicopters with self-protection sensors
Taufkirchen (Germany), 5 June 2024 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is once again equipping helicopters of the Ukrainian armed forces with state-of-the-art detection and self-protection sensors. The order includes further AMPS (Airborne Missile Protection System) self-protection solutions. The order value is in the double-digit million range. With this delivery, HENSOLDT is providing the Ukrainian armed forces with modern equipment required by current events. HENSOLDT delivered 16 AMPS self-protection solutions to the Ukrainian armed forces for the first time in June last year.
“With AMPS, we are increasing the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian helicopters,” says Tanya Altmann, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions Division at HENSOLDT. “By integrating this platform, which is new to us, we are protecting the crews from a wide range of threats, especially from surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.”
The Airborne Missile Protection System is a flexible, stand-alone self-protection solution for helicopters and aeroplanes. Thanks to its modular design, AMPS can be easily configured to meet specific operational requirements and for different mission profiles. AMPS components are the Missile Launch Detection Sensor (MILDS), an AMPS Control and Display Unit (ACDU) and the active confirmation system (MACS), which determines the distance and speed of detected missiles and eliminates false alarms. The Counter Measure Dispensing Systems (CMDS) already installed on the helicopters can continue to be operated with the current AMPS configuration.
A high percentage of aircraft losses in recent operational areas were caused by infrared surface-to-air missiles (IR SAMs). In addition, laser and radar threats are increasingly common in theatres of operations. To reliably detect these threats, AMPS can be configured with missile, laser and radar warning systems to ensure the best possible protection through rapid detection. HENSOLDT has already equipped more than 2,000 different flying platforms with AMPS.
Image courtesy Hensoldt
