Petards' countermeasures to protect new Chinooks
The contract will see the specialist ALE-47 TACDS (Threat Adaptive Countermeasures Dispensing System) fitted to all 14 of the new aircraft. Supplied from Petards Joyce-Loebl's Gateshead factory, the ALE-47 is a highly capable and sophisticated chaff and flare dispensing system which will significantly enhance the protection and countermeasures capability of the Chinooks to survive IR (Infra Red) or RF (Radio Frequency) guided missile attack.
As the UK’s Design Authority for the System, Petards Joyce-Loebl will be the prime contractor, with major subcontractors including BAE Systems (Austin Tx.), C-MAC and In-Flight
Petards Joyce-Loebl’s Electronic Warfare Business Manager, David Jamieson said: “We are delighted to be working once again with the MoD on this new project. As a company we are very proud that our systems can help to protect the aircraft and most importantly the lives of our troops. It is an indication of the value that the Ministry of Defence place on our expertise in the field of electronic countermeasures which has been built up over many years.”
Chinook helicopters have proved to be a vital part of the MoD fleet for many years and the Government’s decision to increase the fleet has been warmly welcomed by operational staff.
Mk2 and Mk3 Chinooks, fitted with the ALE-47 TACDS Chaff and Flare dispensing system have been deployed around the world including conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya and are often used in high risk operations.
The contract, worth over £2.5 million will see production starting immediately, and is expected to be completed in 2012.
Electronic countermeasures equipment supplied by Petards Joyce-Loebl is widely installed on the UK's military aircraft fleet including the RAF's C-130 J and K transport aircraft, Merlin Mk.3, Chinook Mk.2, 2A and 3, Puma helicopters, the Royal Navy's Sea King Mk.4 and Mk.7, Merlin Mk.1 and Lynx Mk.8 helicopters, as well as the British Army's Lynx Mk.9 helicopters.
