ILA 2008: Eurocopter’s top chopper is combat proven

The EC725 Cougar is Eurocopter’s largest and longest-legged military helicopter model and it is being aggressively marketed at ILA, competing with the Russian Mi-17, the American Sikorsky S-92 and the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland AW101 in a number of ongoing competitions.

Eurocopter hopes that the type’s ‘combat-proven’ tag will give it a useful edge, and is displaying a French air force Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) variant at the show.

The aircraft is a much improved military version of the EC225 Super Puma, with a new, folding five-bladed Spheriflex main rotor and an increased MTOW of 11000 kg (11 Tonnes), and with a full glass cockpit and state-of-the-art avionics, secure communications and mission systems.

The aircraft is fitted with an Advanced Helicopter Cockpit and Avionics System (AHCAS) which includes a SAGEM automatic flight control system which integrates flight, navigation and tactical mission data.

The EC725 has comprehensive defensive aids, including a radar warning receiver, laser warning receiver, a missile approach warning system and chaff/flare dispensers. The aircraft is fitted with an infrared suppression system to reduce the helicopter’s heat signature it made its maiden flight in November 2000.

The Armée de l’Air was the launch customer for the new Cougar, ordering six equipped for use in the CSAR role, with a sophisticated four-axis autopilot that could be programmed with automatic search patterns and transitions to and from the hover. These aircraft are fitted with dual rescue hoists, and have provision for an air-to-air refueling probe, and defensive armament. Deliveries began in February 2005, and the aircraft have already seen operational service in Afghanistan and the Lebanon. The French army (Armée de Terre) has subsequently ordered eight for Special Operations support.

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Source: Flight Daily News