Attack Helicopter Survivability
VELON-G metamaterial glazing reduces IR and radar signatures of attack and utility helicopters without compromising pilot visibility or adding weight penalty to critical platforms.
Modern attack helicopters face escalating threats from MANPADS and radar-guided systems. VELON-G addresses the cockpit transparency vulnerability — traditionally a high-signature component — by embedding signature management directly into the glazing structure.
The technology enables 40-60% IR signature reduction across MWIR/LWIR bands and 15-25 dB radar attenuation while maintaining ≥85% visible light transmission. Complex curved forming capability supports integration into existing canopy geometries.
Target Platforms
Primary rotorcraft integration opportunities
T929 ATAK II
TAI Turkey's next-generation attack helicopter with signature reduction requirements for contested environments.
- Cockpit windscreens
- Chin turret windows
- Sensor apertures
Apache AH-64E
Guardian upgrade programme for UK Apache fleet and US Army AH-64E signature enhancement.
- 50 aircraft (UK)
- 690+ aircraft (US)
- a Tier-1 defence prime integration
Future Vertical Lift
US Army FLRAA (Bell V-280 Valor) with built-in signature management requirements from design phase.
- 1,200+ aircraft planned
- 2030s IOC
- ITAR-free advantage
Technical Performance
Validated signature reduction for rotorcraft glazing
Signature Management
| IR Reduction (MWIR) | 40-60% signature reduction |
| IR Reduction (LWIR) | 35-55% signature reduction |
| Radar Attenuation (X-band) | 15-25 dB RCS reduction |
| Wavelength Coverage | 3-14 μm + 8-12 GHz |
Optical & Mechanical
| Visible Transmission | ≥85% (400-700 nm) |
| Optical Distortion | MIL-PRF-25690 compliant |
| Forming Capability | Complex curves (R≥300mm) |
| Thickness Range | 6-12 mm multi-layer |
Rotorcraft Applications
Integration across cockpit and sensor transparency systems
Cockpit Glazing
Primary windscreens and side windows with pilot-critical optical clarity maintained while reducing IR/radar signatures.
Sensor Windows
EO/IR turret windows and targeting system apertures requiring transparency with signature management.
Chin Turret Windows
Forward-facing weapon system glazing integration for 30mm cannon and sensor systems.
Helicopter Survivability Enhancement
Reducing the detectability envelope for attack helicopters
Threat Mitigation
Reduced engagement range for IR-guided MANPADS and radar-guided systems
Detection Delay
Extended time-to-detection providing tactical advantage in contested airspace
No Weight Penalty
Signature reduction integrated into existing transparency weight budget
Retrofit Compatible
Designed for drop-in replacement on existing platforms during maintenance cycles
Rotorcraft Programme Pipeline
$55-95M opportunity across identified platforms
| Platform | Country | Prime/Customer | Status | Opportunity Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T929 ATAK II | Turkey | TAI | In Discussion | $20-35M |
| Apache AH-64E (UK) | UK | a Tier-1 defence prime/MOD | Target | $8-15M |
| Apache AH-64E (US) | USA | Boeing/US Army | Target (SIEL) | $15-25M |
| Future Vertical Lift | USA | Bell/US Army | Future | $12-20M |
Discuss Rotorcraft Integration
Contact our defence programmes team to explore VELON-G signature-managed glazing for your helicopter platform.
Contact Defence Team Back to VELON-G Defence