Armée Allemande (Bundeswehr)

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First Meads Power and Communications Unit Completes Acceptance Tests in Germany


The MEADS power and communications unit during acceptance testing in Germany. (Photo: MEADS International)

15:33 GMT, June 12, 2012 ORLANDO/MUNICH/ROME | The first MEADS power and communications unit recently completed acceptance testing in Germany and will power the first Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR) during integration tests at Pratica di Mare, Italy.

The truck-mounted power and communications unit provides power for the MEADS MFCR and the surveillance radar. It includes a diesel-powered generation unit. A separate commercial power interface unit permits radar operation using commercial power (50 Hertz/60 Hertz).

MEADS International Technical Director Marco Riccetti said, “The MEADS power and communications unit, as with other MEADS elements, is designed for mobility and transportability, including C-130 transport. It has a highly reliable design that meets the power needs of both MEADS radars, and is ready to operate across a broad range of environmental conditions on a rapid emplacement timeline.”

A second MFCR power and communications unit is undergoing qualification testing at the German Armed Forces Technical Centre for Automotive and Armoured Vehicles in Trier, Germany. The MEADS power and communications unit was designed and manufactured under a subcontract from MBDA by Lechmotoren in Altenstadt, Germany.

By combining advanced 360-degree sensors, near-vertical launch capability and the improved PAC-3 MSE Missile, MEADS can defend up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets. MEADS also lowers costs because it needs fewer personnel and less equipment, with further savings by reducing demand for airlift.

An initial MEADS flight test was successfully completed at White Sands Missile Range in November 2011. Integration work continues in support of two upcoming intercept tests planned at White Sands Missile Range.

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The US Air Force's Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors are participating in their first Red Flag-Alaska war-games with German Eurofighter Typhoon fighters and other foreign aircraft.

Poland is flying its first Red Flag with its new F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft while Japan has brought its Boeing F-15J Eagles.

Pilots from the 3rd Wing's 525th Fighter Squadron and its reserve associate unit, 477th Fighter Group, are flying the Raptors during the exercise. The Typhoons, Raptors and Eagles are all flying as friendly "Blue forces" during the exercises.

"They are never on the Red side," says Major James Mixon, an exercise planner with the 353 Combat Training Squadron referring to the Raptors. The idea is to teach the visiting forces how to interact with the stealthy fifth-generation fighter, he says.

For the exercise, the Luftwaffe brought over eight Typhoons from Jagdgeschwader 74 to Eielson AFB, Alaska, says unit commander Col Andreas Pfeiffer.

For the Germans, the exercise affords a unique opportunity to training over the vast ranges found in Alaska. The ranges at the base offer the ability to replicate the latest surface-to-air threats while the USAF's 18th Aggressor squadron replicates enemy aircraft like the Russian Su-27, Su-30 and Chengdu J-10.

Pfeiffer says flying with the Raptor was an interesting experience.

"Its unique capabilities are overwhelming," Pfeiffer says.

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"Its unique capabilities are overwhelming"

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German Army Orders Gladius Future Soldier Equipment



http://www.defencetalk.com/german-ar...uipment-43258/

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German Air Force Brings Eurofighter, Skills to Eielson AFB

EIELSON AFB, Alaska | After a nearly 5,000-mile trip across the world, 150 members of the German air force recently arrived here with eight German Eurofighter Typhoons.

It is the first time the German airframe has deployed overseas, according to German officials. In fact, it is the very first of the Eurofighter's participation in any U.S. exercise.

German air force Col. Andreas Pfeiffer, the commander of Fighter Wing 74, at Neuburg air base, Germany, said training here is a completely different experience for the German air force, specifically because Alaska provides more air space and accommodates high-caliber coalition training. Most importantly, though, it is host to the 18th Aggressor Squadron.

"The (18th) Aggressor Squadron, which provides us with the best training on Earth, is unique -- there is no other training partner like the Aggressors," Pfeiffer said. "If you put all of the factors together, this is probably the highest quality training you could possibly get in modern air combat."

One of the most valuable aspects the 18th AGRS provides is dedicated adversary support that the German air force might not find back home, giving a new perspective for German flying and tactics, said Capt. Cory Farrer, an 18th AGRS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot.

"It allows us to fly with another ally and integrate with them as well as giving them a large piece of airspace to train in," Farrer said. "The Eurofighter is a very capable and formidable airframe, and it's a great and valuable asset (for our allies)."

The German air force's aim with Red Flag was to bring the Eurofighter into an environment in which its pilots could show their proficiency with the aircraft while being able to learn and enhance their experience level, Pfeiffer said.

"The goals we have for this Red Flag exercise are focused on our wing capabilities, both in terms of logistics as well as techniques, to prove that the Eurofighter is capable of coping with all of the challenges of modern air combat," said Pfeiffer. "At the same time, it's for us to increase our own technical performance and capabilities."

In addition to months of training in Europe, the Germans arrived in May to participate in Distant Frontier in order to prepare for Red Flag. Since then, Pfeiffer said his forces have learned valuable lessons.

"We are learning that we are flying and fighting on a common tactical basis," he said. "Although we are flying alongside coalition forces on a regular basis (in Europe), what we learn here is a completely different dimension ... and we are able to prepare ourselves for possible future operations anywhere."

While the German air force has participated in previous exercises like Maple Flag in Canada and other Red Flags at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the Eurofighters have never participated in such a large-scale exercise.

"We have some really experienced pilots, but this is a huge challenge for most of them -- it's the first time they've done something like this," Pfeiffer said. "Even so, I'm surprised about the performance of both our jets and our crews. Our guys and our systems are ready to face the challenges ahead."

Keeping the future in sight, Pfeiffer is eager to return to Alaska for future Red Flags, attributing the success of his forces to the hospitality and support of Eielson Air Force Base.

"I feel privileged to have the opportunity to participate with my wing and with a new jet in such an outstanding exercise," said Pfeiffer. "This is the highest quality training you could get worldwide; it is unique and simply a privilege."

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HiRes




SEA LYNX Bordhubschrauber auf der Fregatte SACHSEN bei schwerer See. ©2012 Bundeswehr/Björn Wilke.

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Germany receives first ASSTA 3.0 Tornados from Cassidian




The German Air Force has taken delivery of the first two Avionics Software System Tornado Ada (ASSTA) 3.0 upgraded Tornado combat aircraft from Cassidian.

The delivery follows several months of retrofitting, certification and acceptance trials conducted by Cassidian at its facility in Manching, Germany, in cooperation with Bundeswehr Technical Centre 61.

Cassidian Air Services business line head, Erik Jensen, said: "With ASSTA 3.0, the German Tornado fleet is being adapted to meet the Armed Forces's current requirement for all-weather, high-precision and network-centric capabilities."

The ASSTA 3.0 upgrade involves the integration of a network-centric multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS), a radio device, a digital video and voice recorder (DVDR), and integrated laser joint direct attack munition (LJDAM).

MIDS uses the Link 16 communication standard (STANAG 5516) to enable the crew to exchange tactical data such as exchange flight, mission and navigation data, in addition to voice commands with other aircraft and ground stations.

Cassidian is currently developing the ASSTA 3.1 version of the aircraft's electronic systems, which includes replacement of monochrome TV/tabs with colour displays and integration of the MIDS basic package with a full mission control/situation display.

Around 85 operational Tornado aircraft are scheduled to be upgraded to ASSTA 3.0 standard by 2018 and the new aircraft will be used by the German Air Force's Fighter Bomber Wing 33.

With support from Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems, Cassidian will carry out the Tornado upgrade project which includes providing avionics, communication system, flight control computer and the aircraft's entire computer system on behalf of Tornado manufacturer Panavia Aircraft.

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Atlas Elektronik to provide Cerberus portable diver detection sonar for the German Navy F125 frigate

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK will deliver portable Diver Detection Sonars for installation on the latest frigate of the German Navy, Type F125. ATLAS, a leading supplier of naval electronic systems, has been awarded a contract by the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for the supply of four Cerberus Mod2 portable Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) systems for the four F125 frigates and a fifth system for training purposes. The first system delivery is scheduled for 2012. Developed by the British subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK, the Cerberus Mod2 sonar will be the first installation of a DDS on a NATO vessel. Cerberus serves to protect military vessels from under-water threats by alerting the operators to the presence of divers, swimmers, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The system is ideally suited for expedi-tionary use on platforms such as the F125 which will conduct forward operations in potentially hos-tile areas during times of conflict.

Artist Impression: Cerberus in use (Picture: Atlas Elektronik)

The system can be operated remotely from the ship’s bridge as well as from a processing and dis-play unit below deck. Cerberus can also be operated completely independently from ships systems with the exception of power which is taken from the ships standard power supply. By positioning several sonars at suitable locations in harbours, wide expanses can be monitored and large numbers of vessels protected. The DDS automatically compensates for ship motion.

Future German Navy's 125-class (F125) frigate (picture: ARGE F125)

Cerberus displays the surrounding area on a sea chart. The position and bearing of the host ship are updated constantly. Once initialized, the DDS generates a visual and acoustic alert to warn against targets approaching in the water. It is therefore not necessary to permanently watch the display. Thanks to its low weight of 23 kilograms and compact construction, the system can be deployed without the need for a crane or davit; its components can easily be carried and operated by one person.

Cerberus full kit (Picture: Atlas Elektronik)

Cerberus Mod2 meets all the relevant national and international military standards (BV and MIL). James Young, Head of the Surface Ships Division of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK, added: “We are delighted with the award of this contract to provide an important security system for the German Navy. Once again, it reinforces our position as a class leader in design, development and supply of high performance Diver Detection Systems, which has been built on our heritage of advanced sonar processing and hardware design. This is a first of many systems to be delivered by us to the war-ship market. Hopefully our other naval customers will follow suit and select the Cerberus system for its superior performance and competitive price ahead of our competitors”.

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Empl, a manufacturer of unprotected and weight-optimised superstructures, has operated as a strategic partner of KMW to contribute to the production of 87 general protection transport vehicles of the Dingo type for the German defence force. Of these vehicles, 44 are being built as battle recovery and repair vehicles and 43 as patrol and security vehicles.

The Dingo 2 has a total weight of 13,100 kilogrammes and is therefore a medium-weight, all-terrain, protected command and working vehicle. The commercial Unimog U 5.000 chassis gives the Dingo special mobility and agility - even under difficult road and terrain conditions. The Dingo is furthermore suitable for air transport in a C-160 Transall or an Airbus A400 and can therefore be rapidly moved to operational areas.

PATROL AND ESCORT VEHICLES
The Dingo 2 is increasingly being used as a patrol and escort vehicle in the German defence force. Empl has equipped 43 of these vehicles with a hard-top loading bay and an optional intermediate floor. The superstructure is made of aluminium honeycomb panels and can be used as a lockable transport container for various devices. However, the highlights of the project are 44 vehicles with recovery and repair equipment.

RECOVERY AND REPAIR VEHICLES
These vehicles were specially designed for temporary, provisional and fast repair of defence equipment at the place of failure. The main focus is on retaining the basic functions of a defective vehicle. Empl has developed a special, electrical lifting roof to fulfil these requirements. It can be extended on request and the height of the superstructure was optimised to provide a weather-protected work area (which can be enclosed with canvas on the sides).

The complete superstructure is made of a lightweight aluminium structure and makes optimal use of the payload. The tools and consumables are of top quality. All storage shelves and organiser boxes are secured by tension and fastening belts and moulded foam and have been designed for ergonomic access. Various equipment options include general material, welding, fitting, lighting and energy, vehicle repair, compressed air, hydraulics repair, cable repair, semi-finished products, operating and auxiliary operating materials, plastic and adhesives as well as storage support equipment.

The vehicle has a work bench with a vice on the right and the left side along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A two-pole synchronous generator is hydraulically powered by the vehicle engine and allows a parallel supply of all electrical equipment in the superstructure and the damaged vehicle. The vehicle remains suitable for air transport when the lifting roof is lowered.
http://www.empl.at/718.html?L=1

Spoiler:

Footage of C-160 Transall cargo aircraft of LTG 61 during the "Nocturnal Encounter" exercise:

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Le F22 mis en échec par les pilotes de chasse allemands
Invités à un exercice de combat aérien avec leurs Typhoon sur la base de Eielson en juin dernier, les allemands ont eu l’occasion d’affronter, dans le ciel de l’Alaska, le meilleur des avions de combat au monde, le F22 Raptor.

Le F22 Raptor, dont le prix unitaire avoisine les 400 M$, est depuis peu autorisé à reprendre les vols maintenant que la source des problèmes d’hypoxie des pilotes est identifiée. Ça, c’est la bonne nouvelle pour l’USAF. La mauvaise, c’est que les français sur Mirage 2000-9 (prêtés par les EAU) et les allemands sur Typhoon ont trouvé le point faible du Rraptor : le combat rapproché.

En effet, si le Raptor est imbattable en matière de furtivité, d’évolution à haute altitude et de capacité de combat au-delà de l’horizon, il devient en revanche vulnérable en combat tournoyant contre des avions pourtant moins évolués malgré ses gouvernes généreusement dimensionnées et ses tuyères à poussée vectorielle.

Les Allemands qui ont à plusieurs reprises pris le dessus sur le Raptor reconnaissent, beaux joueurs, qu’il est cependant difficile de s’en approcher à courte distance. Les pilotes militaires d’outre-Rhin bénéficient de l’expérience acquise dans les années 90, période pendant laquelle l’Allemagne alignait des MiG-29 Fulcrum hérités de la RDA. Des tests avaient démontré alors que le MIG qui était vulnérable en combat à distance face aux F4 Phantom, Mirage 2000, F15 et F16, s’avérait imbattable en combat tournoyant. L’histoire ne fait que se répéter

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MBDA Germany Delivers Missile Threat Simulation



MBDA Germany has supplied a missile threat simulation tool to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB). This system enables the simulation of all types of missiles, particularly ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, with physical correctness and in the greatest possible detail – from launch to impact. Using this technology, technical propositions regarding threats can be organised, narrowed down and formulated with greater precision. Threats to nations or to troops on deployment from proliferating theatre ballistic, short-range and medium-range missiles (TBMs) can thus be analysed. Additionally, the data makes possible the analysis of the performance capability of air defence systems. The knowledge gained thereby can be used in the development of modern air defence systems. Finally, the threat simulation helps to continually expand and update the air defence target catalogue.

“The threat simulation we have developed is unmatched in Germany. It is a part of our unique range of skills in the fields of air and missile defence which also includes our new simulation and integration centre, our test and training centre in Freinhausen and our laser weapon facilities. We want to continue to serve our customers with these skills in future,” asserted Walter Stammler, Head of Operations at MBDA Germany.

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La Bundeswehr autorisée à intervenir en Allemagne contre le terrorisme

BERLIN (Allemagne), 17 août 2012 (AFP) - La Cour constitutionnelle allemande a autorisé l'armée allemande à utiliser des moyens militaires sur le territoire national contre d'éventuelles menaces terroristes sous strictes conditions, brisant un tabou d'après-guerre, dans une décision annoncée vendredi.

Jusqu'à présent, l'intervention armée sur le territoire allemand en cas de menaces terroristes était réservée aux forces de police, afin de séparer clairement les opérations de défense nationale de l'armée et les opérations de sécurité intérieure. Cette séparation s'explique par la crainte d'un engagement de l'armée contre la population civile, héritée des abus du régime nazi.

Selon la décision de la Cour constitutionnelle, basée à Karlsruhe (sud-ouest), l'armée pourra désormais intervenir sur le territoire "en cas de situation exceptionnelle de nature catastrophique", une première depuis la fin de la seconde guerre mondiale.

Cette autorisation exclut cependant "les dangers pouvant émaner d'une foule qui manifeste".

L'armée n'est pas non plus autorisée à abattre un avion transportant des civils et qui aurait été détourné par des terroristes. Elle est seulement autorisée à procéder à des tirs d'avertissement pour le contraindre à atterrir.

Le déploiement de la force armée n'est possible qu'en "dernier recours", selon la Loi fondamentale allemande. Il appartiendra au gouvernement dans son ensemble d'estimer les cas d'extrême urgence justifiant une telle opération, cette tâche ne pouvant être déléguée au ministre de la Défense.

Cette décision de la Cour constitutionnelle corrige une décision précédente de 2006 qui excluait au contraire d'une façon générale toute opération de la Bundeswehr contre un danger intérieur.


AFP

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Syrie: le navire espion Oker fait des vagues en Allemagne


Le navire se trouve pour le moment dans l'est de la Méditerranée, dans le port
de Cagliari, en Sardaigne.Crédits photo : dpa/abaca

Si sa mission officielle est de prendre part jusqu'en décembre à la mission Finul de surveillance du cessez-le-feu au Liban-Sud, la frégate Oker pourrait être amenée à patrouiller plus au nord, au large des côtes syriennes.


Pour l'heure, la frégate Okercroise quelque part dans l'est de la Méditerranée, après ravitaillement dans le port de Cagliari, en Sardaigne. Sa mission officielle est de prendre part jusqu'en décembre à la mission Finul de surveillance du cessez-le-feu au Liban-Sud. Mais sa route pourrait l'amener à patrouiller plus au nord, au large des côtes syriennes. Ses grands yeux et ses grandes oreilles pourraient bien s'y révéler plus utiles. La fiche technique du bâtiment nous apprend que ce navire de 83,5 m n'est pas équipé d'armement lourd.

Son pouvoir de nuisance est ailleurs: dans son équipement en matériel électromagnétique et élecro-optique dissimulé sous son radôme gris marine. Mieux: grâce à une technique «unique au monde» jalousement gardée secrète, le bâtiment peut détecter des mouvements de troupe jusqu'à 600 kilomètres à la ronde. Largement suffisant pour espionner jusqu'à Alep ou Damas, même pour un bateau naviguant dans les eaux internationales.

Son intervention aurait dû rester la plus discrète possible. Elle a été éventée par un agent du Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), l'équivalent de la DGSE en Allemagne, qui a vanté au journal Bild «sa fierté de voir l'Allemagne apporter un concours important à la chute du président Assad».

Armée «parlementaire»

D'autres agents du BND sont stationnés sur la base de l'Otan d'Adana, en Turquie. Ils écoutent les lignes téléphoniques et surveillent les télécommunications sur les champs de bataille. Des contacts sont établis avec l'entourage direct d'Assad. «Aucun service occidental ne dispose de meilleures sources d'informations sur la Syrie que le BND», se félicite un membre des services secrets américains. Les données sont ensuite transmises au quartier général des services extérieurs près de Bonn, avant d'être analysées pour les besoins du gouvernement. Les précieux messages sont relayés vers les alliés américains et britanniques chargés de les ventiler vers d'autres pays «amis». «Nous bénéficions des informations transmises par les services turcs», affirmait ce week-end un rebelle syrien dans le Sunday Times.

Par ricochet, ces informations sur les activités secrètes de la frégate ont fait des vagues jusqu'à Berlin. Le démenti d'un porte-parole de la Bundesmarine sur le qualificatif de «navire espion» n'a convaincu personne. Pas davantage que les explications du porte-parole du ministre de la Défense sur «une mission routinière de reconnaissance en Méditerranée». L'opposition a dénoncé une «implication directe de l'Allemagne dans les opérations de guerre», alors que la Bundeswehr est une armée dite «parlementaire» et qu'aucun mandat ne lui a été délivré par le Bundestag pour opérer en Syrie.

Hans-Christian Ströbele, des Grünen, membre de la commission de contrôle du Bundestag (PKG), est monté au créneau pour réclamer des explications au gouvernement. Notamment sur le point de savoir pourquoi sa commission, compétente pour les opérations extérieures, n'a pas été informée de la mission précise du Oker.

http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2012/08/22/01003-20120822ARTFIG00403-le-navire-espion-oker-fait-des-vagues-en-allemagne.php

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German Tornado upgrade on track as laser JDAM tests near

The German air force is exhibiting one of its newly upgraded Panavia Tornado strike aircraft at the show, with the type to remain in frontline use until at least 2025.

One of three aircraft to have been returned to Luftwaffe use in late June following the completion of ASSTA 3.0 modernisation work led by Cassidian, the Tornado is assigned to the Büchel-based Fighter Bomber Wing 33.

A total of 85 aircraft are due to be modified under the ASSTA programme, with the last of these to be completed in 2018. Five have been handed over so far, with deliveries running at a rate of one per month.

Credit: BillyPix

Work conducted under the upgrade includes adding a Saab radar warning receiver below the forward fuselage, a digital moving map sourced from the Eurofighter Typhoon programme, a digital video and data recorder, and a Saturn radio.

A new display also enables the pilot to see imagery from the aircraft's targeting pod for the first time. Crucially, it also introduces the hardware and basic software for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Link 16 datalink.

"What the air force will see is a huge leap forward in technology," says Thomas Beck, programme manager for the ASSTA effort.

Another key enhancement is the integration of Boeing's GBU-54 laser-guided JDAM. Five of the 226kg (500lb) weapons will be released over Sweden's Vidsel test range next month as part of an operational test and evaluation activity involving four aircraft.

Full integration of the MIDS equipment will come with a subsequent ASSTA 3.1 phase in 2015. This will also replace obsolete displays in the rear cockpit and introduce new chaff and flare dispensers to further boost self-protection.

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ILA: German air force details success during Red Flag exercise

Germany's historic deployment of eight Eurofighter combat aircraft to Alaska earlier this year achieved its key objective of proving the Luftwaffe's ability to participate in a complex multinational air-to-air operation alongside its allies, the service says.

"We can do that job. We are NATO Response Force-ready," says Lt Col Marc Grüne, the German air force's project officer for the Red Flag Alaska deployment to Eielson AFB.

The one-month commitment - which involved about 150 Luftwaffe personnel and also included a pre-exercise opportunity to fly with US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors - resulted in 10 pilots from Germany's Neuburg-based Fighter Wing 74 securing combat-ready status.

German aircraft were involved in a two-week exercise which also involved fighters and other assets from Australia, Japan, Poland and the USAF, including the latter's aggressor force.

In one German-commanded defensive counter-air mission, the friendly force delivered a record Red Flag Alaska score of 38:1, Grüne says. Four Eurofighters are believed to have accounted for 16 of these "kills" from 18 simulated missile shots, with F-22s responsible for an undisclosed number more.

The Luftwaffe's Eurofighters flew 208 of a planned 212 sorties. "That was a dream for the air force," Grüne says, describing the type as "a very powerful and capable airplane". German aircraft could return to Alaska to participate in a Red Flag exercise in 2014, he adds.

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Eurocopter hands over the first upgraded CH-53GA transport helicopter to Germany's armed forces





Berlin, September 12, 2012

Eurocopter's delivery of the first production modernized CH-53GA transport helicopter to the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) was celebrated during a ceremony today at the ILA Berlin Air Show.

The Eurocopter Military Support Center Germany currently is performing the comprehensive upgrade of 40 Bundeswehr CH-53G aircraft to the CH-53GA specification for both national and international deployment – providing the German armed forces with a modern fleet of these helicopters equipped for an operational lifetime lasting beyond 2030.

Handover of first production helicopter for field tests was made by Helmut Richter, representing the Federal Office of Defense Administration, to Army Aviation Commander Brigadier Reinhard Wolski. The Air Force Procurement Commander, Brigadier Herrmann Muntz, also attended the ceremony.

Eurocopter is upgrading the 40 helicopters during a three-year period. In addition to this milestone helicopter’s handover today, three others in an initial configuration have been used for training flights since July 2012.

“This CH-53GA upgrade is an impressive example of our close and fruitful partnership with the Bundeswehr, which has seen us working together to implement necessary improvements for the helicopter’s future mission requirements,” explained Ralf Barnscheidt, Senior Vice President of Eurocopter Germany and head of the Military Support Center Germany. “I want to thank all involved, including the Federal Office of Defense Administration, and those in charge of certification at the Bundeswehr Technical Center 61, the Air Force Weapon System Command and the Army Aviation School.”

The CH-53GA is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and communications systems, which also are approved for use alongside the Tiger support helicopter and NH90 transport helicopter. Additionally, pilots will now be able to make use of a four-axis autopilot with auto-hover automatic flight control system, as well as an up-to-date electronic warfare system for threat recognition and electronic self-protection. In another enhancement, navigational accuracy is brought up to international instrument flight rules (IFR) standards, with the upgrade extending to display and control functions – which are now contained in a glass cockpit with five multi-function displays.

The scope of CH-53GA upgrades also covers Eurocopter’s delivery of modular, mission-specific equipment packages installable in line with mission requirements. These include an infrared observation system in the form of a forward looking infrared (FLIR) system, a satellite communications package, along with auxiliary fuel tanks that extend the aircraft’s range up to 1,200 km. As part of the refit, weaknesses in the helicopter airframe arising either from age or use also are being addressed and the wiring renewed.

With its modern avionics architecture, the CH-53GA also is ideally prepared for any future expansions of its mission envelope.

The CH-53G in action – national and international missions
During the past 35 years – and indeed for the foreseeable future – the CH-53G has formed the backbone of countless Bundeswehr operations overseas. It is no stranger to harsh conditions. Since entering service, this helicopter has guaranteed not only the flexible transportation of troops and goods within the remit of Germany’s NATO obligations, but has also operated since the early 1990s as the crucial support for many deployments in foreign theaters of both the Bundeswehr and many other NATO forces in crisis zones from Kosovo to Kabul. Meanwhile, national and international disasters such as earthquakes and floods have created a full range of essential deployment assignments for the CH-53G.
With the CH-53GA upgrade, the helicopter fleet will meet the Bundeswehr’s need to expand the mission capabilities of its transport helicopters for domestic missions and deployment abroad.

Maintenance Center for the majority of Bundeswehr helicopters
Eurocopter’s Military Support Center - Germany guarantees support and servicing for practically all helicopters belonging to the German Armed Forces. Besides technical and logistical support, its range of services includes maintenance, repair and overhaul, a logistics and spare parts service, training and instruction, as well as the integration of new systems and upgrades. The Center’s headquarters is Eurocopter’s facility in Donauwörth; however, employees also are positioned at several Bundeswehr locations to provide immediate on-site assistance for helicopter operations. In the past 20 years, the number of employees has risen from 26 to approximately 800. The teams work in close cooperation with the Bundeswehr, and guarantee worldwide service around the clock.

Visit Eurocopter at the ILA Berlin Air Show both in the HeliCenter (Hall 3, Booth 3636) and in the EADS Pavilion. For current news and pictures from the air show, go to: event.eurocopter.com

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The CH-53 MTH:











CH-53: Der mittlere Transporthubschrauber der Bundeswehr (Quelle: Heer/Peter Wagner)