HENSOLDT- Experts & Thought Leaders

The sensor solutions provider - HENSOLDT is further expanding its production capacities at the Ulm site. A second printed circuit board assembly line has already been put into operation in electronics production. A third assembly line is to follow in 2025. The total investment volume amounts to eight million Euros. Radar production Printed circuit boards are indispensable for HENSOLDT products. Given the security of supply in the procurement of electronic components and the high demand for products that can be delivered quickly, it is proving to be an advantage for the company to have full control over core technologies such as the assembly of printed circuit boards. In particular, the ongoing conversion to series production in radar production is increasing the demand for components enormously. Printed circuit boards “Given the increasing demand, the urgency of delivering products and solutions quickly and on a large scale is noticeable,” says Gregor Schwab, HENSOLDT Head of Production. Gregor Schwab adds, “By expanding our production capacities, we have already more than doubled the number of printed circuit boards manufactured from 36,000 to 80,000 per year over the past two years.”

Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has once again demonstrated its technological capabilities as part of the multinational ‘Timber Express 2024’ exercise. The OPTARION mission support system (German: EUA for Einsatzunterstützungsanlage) successfully integrated NH90 and TIGER helicopters in a secure data link network and connected them to modern command and information systems.  Digital command network “Seamless connectivity and the secure exchange of situational information between different weapon systems are crucial for today's hybrid operations on the battlefield,” explains Alex Irmscher, programme manager for ground stations at HENSOLDT. “Thanks to our EUA solutions, it was possible to integrate the aircraft into the Bundeswehr's digital command network without having to modify the weapon system.” SitaWare HQ battle management system Centrepiece of the rally was the news of real-time data between the helicopters and other platforms The centrepiece of the demonstration was the transmission of real-time data between the helicopters and other platforms along the ‘sensor-to-effector’ chain.  A special feature was the connection of the platforms to the “SitaWare HQ” battle management system and the real-time integration into Link-16, the standardised tactical data link network used by NATO and partner nations. This networking helps the armed forces to create a unified situation picture and improve decision-making in complex scenarios.  OPTARION mission support system A core aspect of the OPTARION mission support system is its ability to increase the operational efficiency and deployment flexibility of the armed forces. In an increasingly network-centric warfare, it enables the linking of different platforms and systems via secure data links, creating a common and dynamic situation picture. Network-centric operations OPTARION is a key component for modern combat operations and provides the armed forces This network-centric operations capability not only improves real-time decision-making, but also ensures a high level of interoperability.  This makes OPTARION a key component for modern combat operations and provides the armed forces with the technological basis for successfully operating in complex and rapidly changing threat scenarios.  Innovation in the field: EUA NT and modular technology During the exercise, functionalities from the EUA NT (new technologies) modernisation project were already in use. These include the modular radio concept for flexible antenna and radio operation and innovative data network technologies that ensure increased interoperability.  What is “Timber Express”? “Timber Express” is an annual multinational exercise that focuses on the cooperation and interoperability of air forces. Various NATO countries take part in this exercise to jointly train the skills needed to lead and coordinate air operations in complex scenarios. The aim is to optimise the networking and data exchange between aircraft and command systems while ensuring the security requirements for the transmission of information.

HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence and Bombardier Defence announced that the PEGASUS aircraft has completed its first flight out of Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas. Led by HENSOLDT, PEGASUS is an airborne missionised platform that will integrate the Kalætron Integral SIGINT system to perform highly critical signal surveillance missions for the German armed forces. PEGASUS aircraft’s flight As the aircraft officially enters its next phase and is moving one step closer to the Lufthansa Technik Defence-led systems integration and certification, a celebration was held to mark the PEGASUS aircraft’s first flight.  Representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik and Bombardier Defence as well as representatives from the German Armed Forces travelled from Germany, Canada, and across the United States to gather in Wichita and celebrate this pivotal program milestone. Key aspects of the program These successful tests show the high power of the Bombardier Global aircraft to complete vital missions This stage of aircraft testing is conducted by the Bombardier Flight Test Centre (BFTC) team, located in Wichita, where Bombardier’s highly skilled pilots validate key aspects of the program.  These successful tests demonstrate the high capability of the Bombardier Global aircraft to complete the German air force’s critical missions. This represents a significant milestone for the first of three modified Global 6000 aircraft destined to be delivered to the German Bundeswehr. Bombardier’s Wichita base “Germany’s next generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defence. “This successful first flight is the result of the strong collaboration and shared knowledge between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence, Bombardier Defence and our suppliers to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 aircraft for the Pegasus program in the air." "With flight testing regularly underway from Bombardier’s Wichita base, the aircraft continues to gather essential certification data to improve and perfect the platform before it moves to the next stage.” Integration of Kalætron-Integral system “Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS programme,” said Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT. “With the integration of our Kalætron-Integral system, we are delivering key components that are essential for the ‘reconnaissance of tomorrow’. This achievement underscores the excellent cooperation between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence and Bombardier Defence.” Lufthansa Technik Defence “Seeing the first PEGASUS aircraft taking to the skies bearing the Lufthansa Technik Defence logo fills me with pride and also joyful anticipation, as it brings us one decisive step closer to welcoming this aircraft back at our site,” says Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “I’d like to congratulate and thank the outstanding Bombardier Defence team for their great performance in reaching this important project milestone, and I look forward to the upcoming flight test activities as well as the ongoing cooperation with HENSOLDT in the subsequent integration and certification of their highly sophisticated signals intelligence system.” Airborne system for electronic signals  HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals In June 2021, HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence on board three Bombardier Global jets based on its Kalætron Integral system. Since that award, HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence and Bombardier have collaborated closely on a joint design activity.  Extensive structural modification work has been performed to prepare the first aircraft at Bombardier Defence’s U.S. base in Wichita, Kansas, which houses an important contingent of the company’s experienced and skilled defense workforce. This is the site of the initial ground and flight test activities. Integration of the mission system Upon completion of initial testing, each aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg for further integration work. The company is moreover responsible for the regulatory certification of PEGASUS on the overall aircraft level. So far, Lufthansa Technik has completed its design activities for the integration of the mission system, the additional civil and military avionics systems as well as the aircraft cabin. Hardware and software developments  HENSOLDT has adapted the plans architecture to the active needs of the German Bundeswehr The production process of interior parts has also already started in order to ensure the components’ readiness for immediate installation when the aircraft arrives in Hamburg. In the meantime, HENSOLDT has adapted the systems architecture to the operational needs of the German Bundeswehr.  The corresponding hardware and software developments are currently in progress, various demonstrations have shown the immense potential and capabilities of the upcoming solution. Integrating the reconnaissance system HENSOLDT is acting as a general contractor and bears overall responsibility for the realisation of the project. Lufthansa Technik Defence will act as a subcontractor, procuring the modified aircraft from Bombardier and fitting and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT into the platform. Many small and medium-sized enterprises from all over Germany, Canada and the U.S. are involved in the project as part of the supply chain for all companies bringing PEGASUS to the finish line.