IMP Aerospace & Defence, working with the Canadian Forces, selected Axnes’ PNG wireless intercom system (WICS) for the CH-149 Cormorant search-and-rescue aircraft upgrade project. The CH-149 is the Canadian Forces designation for the AgustaWestland AW101.
WICS, which includes BST50 base stations and MP50 dual-band handheld transceivers, enables uninterrupted communication between the onboard crew, ground personnel, and search-and-rescue (SAR) teams. According to Axnes, the system improves situational awareness and assists with making quick decisions during missions.
Markus Schmitz, managing director at Axnes, notted that the company “is committed to delivering reliable and innovative communication solutions that meet the unique needs of critical operations. We are proud to support IMP Aerospace & Defence and the Canadian Forces in their mission to protect and save lives.”
The upgrade project involves the integration of Axnes' WICS into 13 CH-149s. WICS was selected in part because of its lightweight design and durability which are especially important for SAR operations.
Axnes is headquartered in Norway and has offices in the UK, Colorado, and Austria. The company is an approved supplier to OEMs such as Airbus, Leonardo, Sikorsky, and Bell.