THE FIRST ESCORT/SUPPORT version of the Eurocopter Tiger attack-helicopter prototype has been flown for the first time. The aircraft, the fourth prototype to be flown, is the first to be equipped with an active weapon system. During the 1h flight, aiming tests were carried out with the Tiger's 30mm cannon, using the pilots and weapon-officer's helmet-mounted sights and the roof-mounted main sight. Testing of the aiming systems will be completed in the first half of 1995, with cannon-firing trials scheduled for the second half. Other ordnance carried by the escort/support Tiger variant includes Matra Mistral short-range air-to-air missiles and unguided rockets.
Source: Flight International
