AgustaWestland and Thales are under contract to supply COMPACT FLASH SONICS dipping sonars for the Republic of Korea Navy's new AW159 Maritime Operations Helicopters.

The COMPACT FLASH sonar is the newest member of Thales’ FLASH range of dipping sonars. This low-frequency, long-range sonar system is lighter and designed for smaller helicopters. It features an optimized, lightweight architecture as well as a fully electric reeling machine. The COMPACT FLASH delivers outstanding performance.
 
The SONICS version also includes a complete sonobuoy processing system, with a VHF receiver, picking up sonobuoy data and processing it in real time on board the helicopter.

By simultaneously processing data from the dipping sonar and from active and passive sonobuoys, the COMPACT FLASH provides the new intermediate-class helicopters with an unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capability.

“We are delighted that AgustaWestland has placed its trust in Thales to equip its new helicopter, and proud to have the Republic of Korea Navy as the latest customer to adopt our FLASH family of dipping sonars,” said Benoit Plantier, Managing Director of Thales Underwater Systems.

Thales has an extensive installed base of FLASH SONICS systems in service with the Naval Forces of France (NH90 NFH), the United Kingdom (Merlin EH101), Norway (NH90), the United States (MH60-R), Sweden (NH90), Australia (MH60R) and the United Arab Emirates (Super Puma).

This latest contract further consolidates the Group's world leadership position in airborne anti-submarine warfare systems.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace & Transportation and the Defense & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries.

With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements.