Thales to provide self-protection systems for French forces' EC725 Caracal

Neuilly-sur-Seine, 4 February 2010 - Thales announced today that it has won a contract to supply eight self-protection systems to equip Eurocopter's EC725 Caracal helicopters ordered by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) in 2009. Thales will also integrate these systems on the aircraft.

Thales's cutting edge solution comprises the Sherloc-SF and MWS-20 Damien systems:
· The Sherloc-SF is a radar-warning receiver with 360° threat detection and location capability. It also includes system control functions.
· The MWS-20 Damien is a missile approach warning system that calculates the parameters of each threat to ensure optimal effectiveness of countermeasures.

The EC725 Caracal self-protection suite also includes the RALM laser-warning receiver from Selex and the ELIPS-NG chaff/flare dispenser system from MBDA. Thales is responsible for integration of the complete suite on each aircraft.

This latest success is a further endorsement of Thales's ability to design, develop, manufacture and integrate self-protection systems for all types of aircraft for troop transport, surveillance, patrol and combat missions. Thales self-protection systems provide aircraft and their crews with the crucial protection they need against a broad array of threats — in particular surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles — in theatres of operations around the world.

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal is the first French forces helicopter to carry a complete selfprotection suite to support the successful outcome of combat search and rescue, maritime search and rescue, tactical troop transport and logistics transport operations.

This order will increase the number of EC725 Caracals in service with the French forces to 19 aircraft — all equipped with the same self-protection system.