Thales to equip France's future A330 MRTT tankers with TopShield-400® antenna system 0705155

a
World Aviation Defense & Security Industry News - Thales
 
 
Thales to equip France's future A330 MRTT tankers with TopShield-400® antenna system
 
Thales has been awarded contract for its new TopShield-400® Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system (CRPA) for the future French A330 MRTT Tanker, the France-based company announced today May 7th. Thales will provide Airbus Defence & Space with its new GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system TopShield-400 ® to equip the 12 MRTTs (multi-role transport tanker) ordered by the French Procurement Agency (DGA).
     
Thales has been awarded contract for its new TopShield-400® Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system (CRPA) for the future French Tanker, the France-based company announced today May 7th. Thales will provide Airbus Defence & Space with its new GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system TopShield-400 ® to equip the 12 MRTTs (multi-role transport tanker) ordered by the French Procurement Agency (DGA).
Airbus Defence & Space A330 MRTT refuelling the A400M military airlifter
(Airbus DS)
     
TopShield-400 ® is a multi-application anti-jamming solution for aircrafts, including helicopters that can be operated with all GNSS receivers. Its miniature antenna arrays and low volume electronics ensure easy integration onto all platforms while providing the highest level of immunity to jamming.

In November 2014, Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by the French Ministry of Defence to supply 12 A330 MRTT new generation air-to-air refuelling aircraft for the French Air Force. The first delivery is foreseen for 2018, followed by the second in 2019, and then at a rate of one or two per year.


France’s choice of the A330 MRTT makes it the sixth nation to order the type following Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom which have ordered a total of 34 aircraft. In addition, India and Qatar have selected the MRTT and are in the final stages of contractual negotiations for six and two aircraft respectively. A total of 22 aircraft are currently in service and the aircraft has been battle-proven in recent coalition actions.