Airbus Helicopters launches HForce Generic Weapon System

[Zarvan]

The Airbus Helicopters H225M platform equipped with the new HForce GWS system for converting unarmed helicopters into light attack assets. Source: IHS/Gareth Jennings
Airbus Helicopters has launched a new modular weapons system that offers operators the ability to quickly and easily transform their civilian platforms into armed military ones by means of a single common mission computer.

The HForce Generic Weapon System (GWC), as the concept is termed, was briefed to reporters in late February ahead of its official launch at the HAI HELI-EXPO event running from 29 February to 3 March in Louisville, Kentucky.

"The HForce GWS can be added to all of our successful civilian helicopters, enabling operators to start [building up their military capabilities] from something that already exists," Philippe Kohn, operating marketing manager, said, adding: "It is a Swiss Army Knife to cover all of the operational spectrum."

The H125M platform is the third and final Airbus Helicopters asset to be equipped with the new HForce GWS system, though the company is considering adding other platforms to the family. (IHS/Gareth Jennings)

As explained by Kohn, the HForce GWC is built around the Rockwell Collins Deutschland (RCD) FMC-4212 General Purpose Computer (GPC). This single mission-computer enables the integration of a number of different weapon systems aboard a variety of helicopter types. These include a combination of 12.7 mm heavy machine gun pods (HMPs), 20 mm cannon pods, air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, and/or 68 mm and 70 mm unguided and guided rockets aboard the H125M, H145M, or H225M helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters has sub-divided the HForce GWC into four different options, depending on the customer's requirements:

Option 0 - the helicopter is provisioned for the HForce GWC for later retrofit, but not yet equipped with it.

Option 1 - Ballistic firing with helmet-mounted sighting display (HMSD). This includes pilot HMSD, plus the integration of a combination of 12.7 mm HMPs, 20 mm cannons, and unguided rockets.

Option 2 - Ballistic firing with HMSD and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting. This includes Option 1, plus pilot and co-pilot/gunner HMSD, and EO/IR targeting.

Option 3 - Ballistic firing with HMSD and EO/IR and guided weapons. This includes Option 2, plus air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, and laser-guided rockets.

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Airbus Helicopters launches HForce Generic Weapon System | IHS Jane's 360