The French air force has taken delivery of its first combat search and rescue (CSAR) Eurocopter EC725 (formerly known as the Cougar MkII Plus).
Up to 14 helicopters are required by France for the CSAR role, although only four have been funded, three as new-build, with the fourth to be converted from a Cougar MkII delivered last year.
Consideration is being given to developing an air-to-air refuelling capability for the type. French air force chief of staff Gen Jean-Pierre Job says : "We see a refuelling capability as very important for this class of machine". With Saudi Arabia having already specified an in-flight refuelling capability for its Cougar MkIIs, Job sees a possibility of co-operation between the two. Flight trials on an adapted aircraft have taken place for the Saudis.
Source: Flight International
