The last of 20 Eurocopter EC635s has been handed over to the Swiss air force. The service is using them to replace its SA316 Alouette III transports this year, when the introduction phase of the EC635, which is the military variant of the EC135 light twin, will be completed and the fleet becomes fully operational.
The delivery, by Switzerland's Armasuisse procurement agency under a 2006 sale contract, marked the on-time and quality completion of the Swiss Light Transport and Training Helicopter programme. This consists of two EC135s for the federal air transport service and 18 EC635s for transport and training.
Eurocopter manufactured the first four aircraft at its Donauwörth plant, with final assembly of the remaining 16 performed by Ruag Aerospace in Alpnach, Switzerland. Ruag will also be responsible for maintenance levels I and D and will support the Swiss air force's fleet of EC635s/135s throughout its lifecycle.
The EC635, which was certificated in 2001, is designed for military and paramilitary deployments and public security operations including search and rescue missions, troop transport, observation, reconnaissance, training and supply.
Source: Flight International
