The Portuguese army has signed a c35 million ($37.4 million) contract with Eurocopter for nine EC635s, the military version of the EC135.
The EC635s will be used for medical evacuation, fire support "and to help civilian populations in emergency situations", says Eurocopter. The contract is part of a broader plan to create a Portuguese army air corps, for which Eurocopter and the French and German armies are providing assistance.
The contract provides for a 150% offset, mainly for the Portuguese aerospace and defence industries. Although not yet finalised, it is likely to include final assembly of the EC635 - with delivery of the first kits from Eurocopter set for 2001 - and work on the Eurocopter tiltrotor, which is seeking approval from the European Commission for funding under the Fifth Framework research programme.
Portuguese overhaul and repair company Ogma will become a service centre for the EC135 and EC635. Portugal chose the 590kW (790shp) Turboméca Arrius 2B1 turboshaft to power its aircraft over the Pratt & Whitney PW206B. The army already operates Turboméca-powered Alouettes and Pumas.
Source: Flight International
