EADS Test & Services wins UK MoD contract to upgrade Lynx helicopter Automatic Flying Control System testing

15:55 GMT, March 8, 2010 The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Test and Services (T&S), a unit of EADS Defence & Security, a contract to upgrade five final pass-off testing systems of the Lynx Helicopter Automatic Flying Control System (AFCS) with miniFLITS MK2 test sets.

MiniFLITS, a highly capable, general purpose portable test set, will allow the MoD to improve maintenance and support turn-around times, reduce system repair/replacement incidents, greatly reduce the overall equipment footprint and improve platform availability. This contract award confirms the capability and flexibility of Test and Services in delivering system solutions for complex avionics and highlights how it supports its customers in maintaining operational assets.

AFCS is a widely used and critical piece of avionic equipment in the helicopter sector. Therefore, the substitution of existing bulky test equipment by versatile miniFLITS systems will contribute substantially to operational efficiency. MiniFLITS is specifically designed for use at a variety of locations - from the frontline to the workshop. Its remote docking station provides additional flexibility by allowing different configurations to be easily developed.

Max Baldwin, General Manager of EADS T&S UK is delighted with the contract award, saying, “This contract truly demonstrates the advances made in Test and Measurement. miniFLITS is a highly capable front line test set, flexible enough to carry out complex testing requirements. Our customers can now test avionics in the field, allowing the armed services to deliver a higher rate of operational tempo.”