Sagem (Safran) and Kamov (Russian Helicopters) have combined their complementary areas of technological and industrial expertise to develop an enhanced version of the Kamov-52 Alligator attack helicopter, which will address a requirement expressed by several countries.

Sagem and Kamov started working together in 2011, with the aim of offering upgrade solutions, including integration, for Kamov helicopters, in particular Sagem optronic equipment and LINS 100 (*) inertial navigation systems. The two companies plan to start integration of a new optronic system in early 2014.

The companies’ joint offering for helicopters will support Sagem’s strategic objective of establishing long-term industrial partnerships with leading Russian companies.

In this cooperation Sagem will bring its experience gained from the Strix optronic sight system, which is already in production for the French-German Tiger combat helicopter. Providing full day/night capability, it has already contributed to the success of military operations by French armed forces in several theatres, including Operation Serval in Mali earlier this year.