Airborne Systems, a subsidiary of HDT Global (HDT), provider of highly-engineered mobile military and emergency response solutions, announced its second major contract in France.

Under a contract with Zodiac International, the world-leading Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (MCADS), designed by Airborne Systems, will enable the French Direction Generale de l'Armement (DGA) to airdrop the new multi-purpose commando boat (ECUME), built by Zodiac.

The DGA will receive four complete aerial delivery systems to be used to counter terrorist or piracy activities at sea. Airborne Systems will develop and supply complete MCADS - type PRIBAD 21 - including the airdrop platform, parachutes, parachute disconnect Atlas PR-A2, trials and evaluation, as well as provide training and life support. Zodiac International, the DGA's prime contractor, will furnish 20 of the new 9.5 meter RIBs for the ECUME requirement.

Proven compatible with the floor of the new A400M military transport aircraft, MCADS is the only airdrop system certified for large rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for use with the military transport aircraft C-130 and C-17. France will be the initial country to receive the A400M in 2013.

The first MCADS, which will allow the ECUME to be airdropped away from shore, is due for delivery in 2013 after the ECUME boat has been tested and approved by the DGA. The boat and its platform separate immediately after leaving the aircraft and both descend to the water under their respective parachutes. The boat, which is then ready for immediate use, is followed by troops, who jump from the same aircraft.

This second win for Airborne Systems in France is preceded by a contract signed in December 2009 with the DGA for the Ensemble de Parachutage du Combattant (EPC). The delivery of the 15,000 EPC parachute systems, part of a multi-year program is well under way and on schedule.

Last month, the company announced a GBP2.8m MCADS contract from the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization, to manufacture and supply the complete airdrop system for an 11 meter RIB, which includes the airdrop platform PRIBAD 21, the parachutes and auxiliary aerial delivery equipment, aircraft certification, training and full through-life support.