AgustaWestland integrating missile systems onto helos

AgustaWestland is to install missile systems onto its AW159 Wildcat helicopters used by Britain's Royal Navy.

The missiles are the MBDA Future Anti Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy)/ Anti Navire Léger and the Thales Light Multirole Missile for use against small, high-speed surface craft, large vessels such as corvettes, and coastal and land targets.

"We are delighted to have secured this contract to equip the Wildcat with these two new technology missiles which will give the Royal Navy an exceptional and flexible anti-surface warfare capability," AgustaWestland said.

The MBDA FASGW/ANL has a high-speed, two-way data-link that relays to the operator the images captured by the missile's seeker to the operator for engagement control.

The Thales LMM is a lightweight missile designed to provide a rapid reaction to a wide range of surface naval threats.

AgustaWestland said on the integration of the missiles onto the Wildcat will be mainly conducted at its facility in Yeovil. A total of 28 aircraft are to receive the dual missile capability.