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MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH) is the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine in the English language. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY is "Required Reading for Defence Professionals". Follow us on Twitter: MILTECH1

17 June 2015

Paris Air Show 2015: FLIR Systems and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Combine Forces

Yesterday, FLIR Systems and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland announced the selection of the Star SAFIRE 380-HDc compact system as the Global Preferred Solution for Electro-Optical Systems on the latest helicopter available from Airbus’ Donauwörth factory: The H135 P3/T3 MEGHAS.  This announcement is in addition to the recently announced selection of the full size Star SAFIRE 380-HD as the Global Preferred Supplier solution on the H145 T2.

Tested and proven in the world’s most demanding environmental and operational conditions, the Star SAFIRE 380-HDc provides operators with state-of-the-art airborne observation capabilities, including extreme stand-off range observation and multispectral HD imagery in a compact, single unit configuration. The Star SAFIRE 380-HDc is ideal for rotary platforms performing search and rescue operations, law enforcement, military and border surveillance missions worldwide. The Star SAFIRE 380-HDc delivers high definition image quality, intuitive operation, and precision geolocation unmatched in its class.

The selection of the Star SAFIRE 380-HDc provides a major technical advancement to the global ALE market.  Traditionally, it has been split between large turreted systems and much less capable lightweight systems. Airbus Helicopters has recognized that the Star SAFIRE 380-HDc provides large system capability, but at a little more than half the weight and cost,” said Kevin Tucker, Vice President and General Manager of FLIR Surveillance. “The Star SAFIRE family is recognized as the global leader in full size and compact systems, providing installation and integration commonality between systems, which permits complete interchangeability between the various systems in less than 15 minutes.”

Furthermore, both companies announced a partnership to jointly offer enhanced availability Electro-Optical Systems for the German Police Helicopter market. FLIR Systems is supporting Airbus Helicopters by providing high performance Star SAFIRE 380-HD systems combined with a new service support package exclusive to German Police operators buying new aircraft. The package includes a three year warranty and guaranteed high availability/low turnaround time. Dedicated spare Star SAFIRE 380-HD systems will be based in Germany to ensure that Airbus Helicopters’ German Police customers receive the highest possible levels of support. Baden-Württemberg Police has been appointed the launch customer in Germany and will been followed by Niedersachsen and Nordrhein Westfalen Police forces.

FLIR is keenly aware of the importance of German Police Aviation as a worldwide leader in the ALE community,” Tucker continued. “We are proud to have developed this significant partnership with Airbus Helicopters and look forward to supplying operators with both the latest in advanced thermal imaging technology and the best service support available.”

This successful venture builds on the Airbus Helicopters’ certification of the Star SAFIRE 380-HD last year on both EC135 and EC145 helicopter types.  

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