STM facilitated the production of the first-ever domestic and national production of the Helicopter Visual Landing Aid System (HVLAS) used on warships in Türkiye. With this system, helicopters can safely land on ships during both day and night operations. The domestic HVLAS developed by STM in collaboration with Berkin Defence Engineering, will be used on Turkish naval vessels, as well as naval export projects.
First Export Success
HVLAS can be used on all naval surface platforms, and domestically it will be used primarily within the National Ship Project (MİLGEM). STM will integrate the domestically developed HVLAS into two corvettes as part of an ongoing export project, thus propelling it to be an export success.
“Our Indigenisation Achievements Will Continue”
Özgür Güleryüz, the General Manager of STM shared the following on the development: “We nationalise not only the construction of our ships but also the critical systems used aboard the platforms, thanks to our strong local ecosystem. The HVLAS, which allows helicopters to land safely on ships, was previously supplied from abroad as it was not produced in Türkiye. We have developed the HVLAS together with Berkin Defence Engineering and thus introduced an indigenous and national product in this field for the first time in Türkiye. Our HVLAS is capable of competing with equivalent products around the world with its innovative and modern design and structure, and since it makes the work of helicopter pilots easier, it allows quick manoeuvres in field operations. It also allows us to further increase the indigenisation rate of the ships that we construct for the Turkish Naval Forces or our export projects. We are currently integrating the HVLAS aboard two corvettes being constructed under an export project. Then we plan to equip our national frigate project, MİLGEM 6-7-8, with this national system. The development of HVLAS allowed us to not only acquire cutting-edge technology capability but simultaneously prevent the drainage of foreign reserves from our nation while also bolstering our exports through a high-value-added product. We will consistently share good news about our achievements in naval platforms indigenisation.”
Eyes and Ears of Helicopter Pilots: HVLAS
HVLAS consists of visual guidance and flight deck lighting equipment and hosts various software that ensure the system and its equipment can operate appropriately. The system was developed by indigenous and national means, and it enables helicopter pilots to land safely on ships during both day and night operations and allows pilots to operate safely at night and at times when visibility is not convenient, minimising the workload of pilots. HVLAS can be used aboard all naval surface platforms, including corvettes, frigates, logistics support ships, or tanker ships with helicopter platforms.