Cutters And Windshield Protectors Will Be Designed Specifically For The ALH

A new Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS) will be developed for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) by Magellan Aerospace under a deal announced Monday. The agreement includes the design and development of a WSPS for the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which will be carried out at Magellan's Bristol Aerospace division in Winnipeg in 2011.

The AHL system is comprised of upper and lower cutters, along with a windshield deflector, all designed by Bristol to be integrated into the unique structure of the ALH.

"We have been making and delivering WSPS kits since 1980, and are delighted to have HAL join our family of global customers," said Don Boitson, Vice President and General Manager, Bristol Aerospace.

"This contract between us for design and development of a Wire Strike Protection System is strategically an imperative for our future business growth and we acknowledge the potential of Magellan Aerospace and HAL with this program," added  Ashok Nayak, Chairman of HAL.

In 1977 Bristol, with the Canadian Forces, designed the WSPS to provide a measure of protection for helicopters to the potentially devastating consequences of inadvertent encounters with horizontally strung wires and cables.

In 2009, a milestone was reached with the delivery of the 20,000th Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS) kit. More than 65 models of WSPS have been developed for commercial and military customers around the world, and new systems continue to be designed for the new helicopter developments that are increasing in size and complexity.

FMI: www.malaero.com