Thales has been awarded a contract to deliver FZ90 rockets for Tiger helicopter fleets operated by the Spanish Army, Aviation Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (FAMET) and Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces.
Currently deployed in Mali, the Tiger helicopters of the two nations have so far been involved in several United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
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The contracts were awarded by the Logistic Support Command of the Army (MALE) of Spain and Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
Under the deals, the company will be responsible for supplying 1,000 units of its 70mm / 2.75-inch rockets to the Spanish MALE and another 10,000 units to Germany.
With the delivery of the FZ90s, the Armed Forces of Spain and Germany will be able to complete the weapon systems of their respective helicopters.
The Spanish Army Aviation will equip its Tiger HAD-E helicopters, featuring a weapon system integrated with four lightweight composite rocket pods, two of 19 FZ225 tubes combined with two of seven FZ233 tubes.
Thales Spain vice-president Jesus Sanchez Bargos said: “The Spanish Army Aviation have to take decisive assault operations and require high mobility and firepower.
“Thales is proud to continue to support their ambitions and to provide FZ90 rockets with a very high level of safety and efficiency recognised by our customers worldwide.”
Furthermore, Thales’ practice rockets will be integrated on to the UH Tiger aircraft for the training of the German Armed Forces.
The 70mm / 2.75-inch rocket will be equipped with a modified FZ90 MOD.4 motor with reduced debris.
Developed by Thales in Herstal, Belgium, the rockets provide enhanced safety and efficiency to a large number of customers worldwide, and can be deployed both on helicopters and combat fixed-wing aircraft.
