Eurocopter has delivered the first Cougar Mk2 combat search and rescue helicopter to the French air force. Service entry is planned in around 18 months. The air force requires up to 14 machines, but the latest defence budget provides funding for only four.
The remaining three have yet to be ordered. "Experience during the Kosovo conflict has shown that we need these helicopters," says Gérard Saucles, deputy head of the air staff equipment programme. "We expect the order will be placed before long." Delivery of the remaining aircraft will be spaced out to 2003.
Meanwhile, Eurocopter president Patrick Gavin says further development of the Super Puma, to give it more performance and a new, larger cabin, remains on the cards. Interested customers, in what would be called the Super Puma Mk2 Plus, include Canada, for up to 30, and Portugal, 10.
Source: Flight International
