Helicopter Capture and Transfer System has been added to the domestic solutions that the Turkish defense industry has brought to the country’s unique platforms.
According to the information received by the AA correspondent, more important gains have been achieved from one of the efforts carried out to minimize foreign dependence on Turkish defense industry products.
A localization activity was carried out for the Helicopter Capture and Transfer System, which was restricted while being procured from Canada for use on Turkish Naval Forces ships.
Within the scope of the studies coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the Helicopter Capture and Transfer System Localization and Supply Project, signed between STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. and Altınay Defense Technologies in May 2021, has reached its final stage.
The installation and integration of the Helicopter Capture and Transfer System, which was delivered to the shipyard in April, on the first national frigate TCG Istanbul, was carried out with the support of Istanbul Shipyard Command. The port acceptance tests of the system were completed in the presence of SSB, Naval Forces Command and STM representatives.
“First Operation Preparation Tests” were carried out by Altınay Defense Technologies and STM in August. As part of these tests, the system was run on the ship for the first time and all functions were verified in detail.
After the “First Operation Preparation Tests”, the first helicopter tests were carried out with the approach of the SH-70 Sea Hawk helicopter. The system successfully detected the location of the SH-70 helicopter and tracked it with the Helicopter Capture Vehicle.
During “Port Acceptance Tests” all functions of the system were tested and verified. As a result of the tests, it was proven that the locally developed system was ready to land the SH-70 Sea Hawk helicopter. In the final stage of the tests, the SH-70 Sea Hawk helicopter will approach the ship and land on the deck with the visual landing support provided by the system. The helicopter will then be secured by the system and transferred to the hangar.
The Helicopter Capture and Transfer System is equipped to ensure that helicopters land safely on the ship, are fixed and towed to the hangar.
In the system, which uses subcomponents such as a camera and a laser system mounted on the helicopter, the position of the helicopter is calculated by image processing. These calculated data enable the helicopter to be kept at the correct angle by means of the quick capture device. While the helicopter is landing, the quick capture device’s claw makes a sudden movement and catches the helicopter. There is no need for personnel to be present in the landing area during all these operations. A single personnel can carry out the process from the control point.
The system, which was made ready for duty in “record time”, will also take its place in new ships that will enter the inventory, will increase the localization rate in national ships and will join the export items of the defense industry.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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