The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Orbital ATK a patent for its Helicopter Active Protection System, which protects helicopters from airborne threats.

The patent is the company's first for a protection system for an aerial platform.

The system, known as HAPS, combats aerial threats by deploying a kill vehicle. Cary Ralston, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK's Defense Electronic Systems division of the Defense Systems Group, says the system was developed with a focus on protecting military helicopters and their crews.

"Orbital ATK is dedicated to maturing the development of this first-of-a-kind active protection system for helicopters and to put it into the hands of our armed forces," Ralston said in a statement.

"Using advanced technologies to help protect our armed forces is a key focus for our company and our innovative design will fill a critical gap in technology, addressing a real problem."

HAPS is designed to assist helicopter pilots and crews with avoiding threats posed by rocket-propelled grenades.

Helicopters are particularly vulnerable to RPG attacks due to their low-altitude hover position, according to Orbital ATK.

Once equipped, HAPS defends the helicopter by identifying incoming threats, launching and guiding a kill vehicle, and detonating a warhead to render the RPG ineffective.

Rolls-Royce, Honeywell to provide Turkish helicopter engines
Ankara, Turkey (UPI) Dec 11, 2015 - Turkish Aerospace Industries has signed an agreement with a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell to procure engines for light utility helicopters.

Under the agreement, the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company, in which Honeywell and Rolls-Royce each have a 50 percent stake, will supply turboshaft engines for the Turkish light utility helicopter program.

The helicopters will be used for both military and civilian purposes, according to Defense News.

"LHTEC is committed to working with local Turkish companies to manufacture the CTS800 engine as well as establish a local depot with maintenance and repair capabilities to support these future fleets," LHTEC president Daryl Mastin said.

The CTS800 turboshaft engine already supports the T129 ATAK helicopters currently in service with Turkish land forces, according to Flight Global. The five-ton, twin-engine Turkish Light Utility Helicopter is scheduled for delivery in 2020.