The rugged, capable and mission-ready military rotorcraft line up from Airbus Helicopters is displayed at this week’s Eurosatory 2014 defense exposition (16-20 June) near Paris, France, along with a focus on the latest innovation for its product family.
“The rapid evolution of operational requirements, for missions that are carried out by Armed Forces worldwide, requires an answer on our part to their ever-changing needs. Our fleet of helicopters addresses this by proposing adaptable, flexible, and efficient solutions,” said Dominique Maudet, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Global Business and Services.
“Once the helicopters are in service, we are committed to assisting and supporting all customers in the operational deployment of our rotorcraft weapon systems,” he added.
Included in the company’s exhibit (with its Airbus Group parent company), is one of its newest military helicopters: the twin-engine EC645 T2, which has been ordered by Germany for the country’s Kommando Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Command), with deliveries to begin in 2015.
The EC645 T2 is equipped with a modern digital cockpit with the Helionix® avionics suite, full night vision capabilities, as well as a 4-axis auto pilot. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
Also shown at Eurosatory 2014 is Airbus Helicopters’ single-engine high-performance AS550 C3e Fennec, tailored for scout, armed reconnaissance and light utility missions.
Meanwhile, the French Army is displaying one of its NH90s – the multi-role helicopter deployed by this military service and by Allied Forces in Afghanistan, and used for the French Navy’s rescues of more than 120 persons; along with the presence of Tiger attack helicopter, which has been combat-proven while serving in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.
Completing the company’s presence at Eurosatory are scale models of the EC725 Caracal, endorsed through combat deployments with French Forces in Afghanistan along with the support of France’s role in NATO-led operations during the Libyan military campaign and French Special Forces missions in Mali, as well as the military Panther version of the well-known Dauphin family.
Airbus Helicopters’ application of continuous improvements and innovation is demonstrated at Eurosatory 2014 by the new Helionix® avionics suite, which integrates flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and improved situational awareness - providing additional operability, enhanced operational safety and lower crew workload, while also facilitating maintenance.
