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The FLASH system (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) is a low frequency sonar for helicopters.

For the French NH90 programme, the first system was delivered to Agusta in July 2005 for platform integration, completing its first test flight on board the NH90 in December 2006.

With the maturity of the system established during the American (Sea Hawk helicopters) and British (Merlin EH101s helicopters) programmes, the test campaign produced very satisfactory results, as expected. System operators were completely satisfied with the first transmissioins. Additional test with the helicopter manufacturer are planned later this year and official testing is scheduled for early 2008.

The system delivers excellent detection, classification and location performance, providing helicopters on Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions with an effective capability for tracking and attacking submarines even in the most difficult operation conditions.

This sonar will be installed on 14 NH90's that will be used for anti-submarine missions (another 13 being used for transport missions).

The FLASH is manufactured in Brest where from 2008 an average of 30 systems will be produced each year.