EC725 Caracal / Super Cougar
H225M
A French Air and Space Force EC725 Caracal
Role Tactical transport helicopter/armed helicopter
National origin Multinational
Manufacturer Eurocopter
Airbus Helicopters
First flight 27 November 2000[1]
Introduction February 2005
Status In service
Primary users French Armed Forces
Brazilian Armed Forces
Mexican Air Force
Royal Malaysian Air Force
Produced 2000–present
Number built 90[2]
Developed from Eurocopter AS532 Cougar
Variants Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma.

Development

The EC725 Caracal at RIAT 2009

The EC725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search and Rescue operations. The AS 532 A2 Cougar model was examined and rejected for this purpose following extensive trials between 1996 and 1999. The primary improvements desired by the French Air Force were more powerful engines, greater flight endurance and improved combat durability.[3] Eurocopter opted to pursue development of a more ambitious derivative of the AS 532 to meet this need, which was later designated as the EC725. The EC725 was initially named Cougar Mk II+ for treaty reasons. The new aircraft also featured new mission equipment and autonomous avionics, along with other changes to meet the French specification.[3]

On 27 November 2000, the first EC725 prototype performed its maiden flight at Marignane, and on 15 January 2001, the first public presentation of the new helicopter took place.[4] In concurrent development of the military-orientated EC725, Eurocopter also developed a civil-orientated counterpart, which was designated as the EC225. The French Air Force subsequently ordered an initial six EC725s to perform the Combat Search & Rescue mission, the first of these was delivered in February 2005. A follow-on order for eight more EC725s was placed for the French Armed Forces in November 2002; a total fleet of 20 EC725s in French service was envisioned in 2004.[3][5]

By 2015, the EC725, re-designated as the H225M, was being manufactured on two separate production lines in France and Brazil. In July 2015, Airbus Helicopters announced that it was considering setting up a third assembly line in India if the firm was successful at winning an Indian tender for naval helicopters.[6]

Design

The EC725 is based on the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar, improving upon the design with a five-blade composite main rotor incorporating a new airfoil shape to reduce vibration levels. The helicopter can be fitted with removable armour plating to protect the troops and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines mounted over the cabin, which feature a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. They can be fitted with an anti-icing system to enable the aircraft to operate in very cold climates. Other improvements include a reinforced main rotor gearbox and an all glass cockpit. The cockpit is equipped with an integrated display system featuring a digital map and active-matrix liquid-crystal display.[3]

An FN MAG mounted on an EC725

The EC725 can be equipped with various military equipment and armaments, such as a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted within forward left and right windows, or a pair of 68 mm (2.75") Thales Brandt or Forges de Zeebrugge side-mounted rocket launchers, each with 19 rockets, or the MU90 Impact aerial-launched torpedo.[7] Furthermore, a combination of gun pods, rocket pods and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles can be mounted externally via the HForce Generic Weapon System (GWS) and targeted with Thales Scorpion helmet-mounted sight display (HMSD) and Wescam electro-optical sensor.[8][9][10][11] The Exocet anti-ship missile has also been integrated upon Brazilian Navy EC725s.[12] Brazilian EC725s are equipped with a Helibras-built countermeasures suite, which includes chaff and flares to confuse radar and heat-guided missiles respectively;[13] Thales has also produced self-protection systems to equip French EC725s.[14]

Eurocopter developed four primacy cabin configurations for the type. The Troop Transport version contains a seating arrangement for a maximum of 29 troops, in addition to the crew. A dedicated VIP transport version is designed to contain between 8 and 12 passengers. The Casualty Evacuation version can carry up to 12 stretchers along with a total of four seated medical staff. The Combat SAR configuration is fully equipped to perform search and rescue duties in a combat environment.[3] According to Airbus Helicopters, the H225M is capable of undertaking various mission roles including combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and shipboard maritime operations.[15] The helicopter has day and night time search and rescue capabilities by way of a search radar and forward-looking infrared (FLIR); these allow the EC725 to be flown under visual meteorological and instrument flight rules conditions.[7]

Operational history

EC725 of the Brazilian Navy aboard helicopter carrier Atlântico, 2021

Less than six weeks after formally entering service, three French Air Force EC725s were dispatched to Cyprus to evacuate civilians from Lebanon during Opération Baliste in the summer of 2006.[16] In December 2006, the French Air Force began deploying EC725s to the war in Afghanistan to support the coalition forces operating in region. EC725s in the Afghan theatre were based at Kabul International Airport.[17][18] In 2013, French EC725s received several upgrades including a new SAGEM Forward looking infrared sensor, new door-mounted Nexter-built machine guns, FADEC changes for low temperature operations, and reduced maintenance requirements.[19]

In 2008, the Brazilian Government announced that the Helibras factory in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, would produce an initial 50 EC725s as part of a $1 billion order for the Brazilian Navy, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Brazilian Army Aviation Command.[20][21][22]

By December 2010, three helicopters were undergoing flight tests prior to entering military service. In 2012, Helibras begin assembly of the rest of the order.[23] In April 2014, Helibras and MBDA were in the process of integrating the anti-ship Exocet missile, which are 50%-built in Brazil.[24] On 19 June 2014, the Brazilian Navy formally accepted delivery of the first EC725.[25] By July 2015, the Brazilian armed forces had taken delivery of 16 H225Ms; deliveries were reported at the time to continue until 2019.[22] By 1 October 2015, Brazil's H225M fleet had attained 10,000 flight hours.[26] In December 2015, Helibras delivered the first pair of H225Ms to be delivered to a full operational capability (FOC) standard to the Brazilian military.[27]

EC725 of the Brazilian Navy, 2018

In March 2009, Mexico became the second export customer for the type when the Secretariat of National Defense placed an order for six armed EC725s for civil security and transport missions; a second batch of six was ordered in September 2010.[28] On 30 April 2015, a Mexican Air Force EC725 made an emergency landing after the tail rotor was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing six soldiers and wounding 12, while engaged in Operation Jalisco, a coordinated multi-force action to combat the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in both Jalisco and Colima.[29] In May 2015, Mexico was reportedly in the process of negotiating the purchase of an additional 50 H225Ms.[30]

In April 2009, Malaysia placed an order for 12 EC725s in a Search and Rescue configuration to replace the ageing Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King fleet.[31] In 2014, following Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 going missing, the Royal Malaysian Air Force deployed their EC725s was deployed to search the plane along C-130s around the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca.[32][33] Following the 2015 Sabah earthquake, several Royal Malaysia Air Force EC725s were despatched to Laban Rata in Mount Kinabalu to rescue stranded climbers and retrieve the deceased.[34][35]

EC725 in flight at a steep angle, France, 2013

In November 2014, the Indonesian Air Force took delivery of the first of six EC725s for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations.[36] Indonesian Aerospace (PT. Dirgantara Indonesia/PTDI) performs the maintenance, repair and overhaul activities upon Indonesia's EC725 fleet; the firm also supply the tail booms and airframe assemblies for EC225s and EC725s worldwide, the first locally assembled main fuselage assembly was delivered in November 2013.[37][38]

On 21 April 2015, Poland announced an order for 50 H225M units to replace their tri-service fleet of Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-14. If signed, the contract would consist of 16 transport, 13 combat search and rescue, eight anti-submarine warfare, eight special forces and five medical evacuation helicopters to be assembled in Poland.[39] In May 2015, the H225M passed state trials held in 33rd Air Base over the course of two weeks.[40] In October 2015, Poland's armament inspectorate reported that the total procurement cost would be roughly PLN13.3 billion ($3.5 billion), 40 per cent of which being for training and logistical support.[41] However, in October 2016, Poland dropped out of offset negotiations prior to concluding the deal.[42] According to former President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski, the H225M purchase had been part of a gentlemen's agreement under which France had cancelled an arranged sale of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships to Russia.[43]

In August 2016, the Kuwait Ministry of Defense and Airbus Helicopters signed a $1 billion contract for 30 H225M helicopters; 24 of these are for the Kuwait Air Force and six are for the Kuwait National Guard, these are to be armed with anti-ship missiles[44] In January 2019 however, Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah announced that it would set up a committee of inquiry into the procurement of the helicopters regarding possible financial violations.[45]

On 7 November 2016, Singapore announced that the H225M would replace its existing Super Pumas, which had been in service since 1983, after a rigorous evaluation process. This would enable the Republic of Singapore Air Force to meet its requirements for a wide spectrum of operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower.[46]

On 3 December 2021, UAE ordered 12 Caracal helicopters.[47]

Operators

 Brazil
A EC725 of the Brazilian Navy
 France
 Hungary
 Indonesia
 Kuwait
 Malaysia
 Mexico
 Netherlands
 Singapore
 Tanzania
 Thailand
 United Arab Emirates
 Kurdistan

Potential operators

In 2013, the EC725 was submitted to the Indian Navy's Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH) competition, seeking 123 helicopters to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet.[50][51] In October 2015, Indian authorities were holding discussions to finalize a deal for 14 H225s for the Indian Coast Guard. Media reports note that Airbus was in the lead to win the contract, having made a lower financial bid than rival Sikorsky for their S-92. The submitted bid complies with a 30% offset clause, requiring Airbus to invest Rs. 6 billion of the Rs. 20 billion bid in India's defense and aerospace manufacturing sector.[52]

On June 5 2023, the Royal Netherlands Air Force announced the replacement of its current Eurocopter AS532 Cougar helicopters with 14 H225s. The helicopters will be used to support their Special Operation Forces.[49]

Specifications (EC725 Caracal)

Data from Airbus Helicopter[53][54]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
  • Capacity: 1 chief of stick + 28 troops or 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) payload
  • Length: 19.5 m (64 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in)
  • Empty weight: 5,330 kg (11,751 lb)
  • Gross weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 11,200 kg (24,692 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Turboméca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, 1,776 kW (2,382 hp) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 16.20 m (53 ft 2 in)
  • Main rotor area: 206.1 m2 (2,218 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn) in level flight
  • Cruise speed: 262 km/h (163 mph, 141 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)
  • Range: 920 km (570 mi, 500 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 1,253 km (779 mi, 677 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,095 m (19,997 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 7.4 m/s (1,460 ft/min)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ "HELICOPTER CARACAL. POLAND LEFT SIORSKY OUT OF BUSINESS". avtovsamare.ru. Retrieved 5 March 2021. On November 27, 2000, the first helicopter took off from the ground, and a few months later it was shown to the public at the official presentation.
  2. ↑ "H225M". Airbus. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Nelms, Douglas W. "Helicopter Intellect." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Rotor & Wing, 1 September 2004.
  4. ↑ "French Stimulus: 5 More EC725 Helicopters." Archived 25 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 4 February 2010.
  5. ↑ "EC 725 Cougar Medium Multimission Helicopter". airforce-technology.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
  6. ↑ Perry, Dominic. "Airbus Helicopters may build fourth H225M assembly line." Archived 13 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 10 July 2015.
  7. 1 2 Glowacki, Bartosz. "Poland begins evaluation tests of H225M Caracal." Archived 24 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 15 May 2015.
  8. ↑ "Hungary orders 16 H225M multi-role helicopters | Airbus". Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  9. ↑ "Janes | Latest defence and security news". Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  10. ↑ "ANALYSIS: Airbus Helicopters on target with HForce sales". Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  11. ↑ "HForce | Airbus". Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  12. ↑ Perry, Dominic. "Helibras continues Exocet integration on H225M." Archived 12 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 4 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Brazilian EC725 integrated with self-protection system." Archived 13 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Shepard Media, 17 September 2013.
  14. ↑ "Thales to provide self-protection systems for French forces' EC725 Caracal." Thales Group, 8 February 2010.
  15. ↑ Parameswaran, Prashanth. "Thailand's Air Force Gets a Boost with New Helicopters." Archived 14 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine The Diplomat, 27 August 2015.
  16. ↑ "‘Baliste’ Operation." Archived 20 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine ROTOR Online, January 2006.
  17. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "VIDEO: French air force EC725 helicopters complete Afghan deployment." Archived 7 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 19 September 2007.
  18. ↑ "Afghanistan: mission accomplished." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine ROTOR Online, February 2008.
  19. ↑ Pocock, Chris. "French Squadron Uses EC725 Helicopters to “Fight and Rescue." Archived 16 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online, 18 June 2013.
  20. ↑ Farias, Ivy (8 September 2008). "Brasil produzirá em Minas Gerais helicópteros para as Forças Armadas". Agência Brasil. Retrieved on 11 July 2009.
  21. ↑ "Brazil's $1B+ Order for EC725 Cougar Helicopters." Archived 25 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 5 January 2012.
  22. 1 2 "Continued delivery of the H225M for the Brazilian armed forces despite announcement of 2 year delay." Archived 25 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine defesanet, 3 July 2015.
  23. ↑ "Brazil's armed forces test-fly EC725". Archived from the original on 25 December 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  24. ↑ "Helibras Integrating Exocet Onto EC725 Helicopter." Archived 13 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 29 April 2014.
  25. ↑ Perry, Dominic. "Airbus Helicopters hands over first EC725 fully assembled in Brazil." Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 19 June 2014.
  26. ↑ "Brazilian Armed Forces Exceed 10,000 Flight Hours with H225M." Archived 25 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters, 1 October 2015.
  27. ↑ Dominic, Perry. "Brazilian army and air force take first FOC-standard H225Ms." Archived 25 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 22 December 2015.
  28. ↑ "Mexico Orders Eurocopter's EC725 Helicopters." Archived 25 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 20 September 2010.
  29. ↑ "7 dead, 19 wounded, 19 arrested in Jalisco." Archived 4 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine Mexico News Daily, 2 May 2015.
  30. ↑ "Mexico may buy 50 Airbus military helicopters -source." Reuters, 27 May 2015.
  31. ↑ "Malaysia Ordering EC725 SAR Helicopters." Archived 25 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 22 April 2009.
  32. ↑ "M.O.T Malaysia on Twitter". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016.
  33. ↑ "Alert 5 " Aircraft searching for #MH370 using RMAF Gong Kedak as base". Military Aviation News. 9 March 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015.
  34. ↑ "Sabah Quake: Army on standby to be deployed says Hishammuddin". Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  35. ↑ Sario, Ruben; Lee, Stephanie. "Sabah quake: Missing mostly Malaysians and Singaporeans – Nation | The Star Online". Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  36. ↑ "Indonesia receives first CSAR dedicated EC725 helicopter." Archived 17 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine helipress.it, 10 November 2014.
  37. ↑ "Airbus Helicopters". Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  38. ↑ "Indonesia delivers first locally produced main fuselage assembly Eurocopter EC725 and EC225." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Australian Aviation, 28 November 2013.
  39. ↑ Warsaw details reasons behind H225M selection. Archived 26 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine flightglobal.com, 22 April 2015
  40. ↑ Larrinaga, Nicholas de. "H225M Caracal passes Polish helicopter trials". Archived 30 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 28 May 2015.
  41. ↑ Glowacki, Bartosz. "Poland to launch attack helicopter talks with bidders." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 7 October 2015.
  42. ↑ "Poland drops Caracal Helicopter talks with Airbus" Defense News, 5 October 2016.
  43. ↑ Fryer-Biggs, Zachary. "Former Polish president says failed helicopter deal supposed to 'make up' for Mistrals." Archived 21 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine IHS Jane's Defence Industry, 18 October 2016.
  44. ↑ Pocock, Chris. "Kuwait Signs Contract for 30 H225M Caracal Helicopters." Archived 20 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online, 9 August 2016.
  45. ↑ Binnie, Jeremy (10 January 2019). "Kuwait launches investigation into Typhoon and H225M procurement". Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 10 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  46. ↑ Government of Singapore (7 November 2016). "MINDEF Signs Contracts to Acquire New Medium- and Heavy-Lift Helicopters". Archived from the original on 7 November 2016.
  47. 1 2 Irish, John (3 December 2021). "Cementing ties with France, UAE places $19 BLN order for warplanes, helicopters". Reuters.
  48. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "World Air Forces 2022". Flightglobal Insight. 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  49. 1 2 "Defense buys new helicopters for special operations" (in Dutch). Netherlands Department of Defense. 5 June 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  50. ↑ Sobie, Brendan. "EC725, NH90 S-70B and MH-60R in frame as Indian navy starts hunt for anti-submarine warfare helicopter replacement." Archived 17 June 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 30 May 2006.
  51. ↑ "The EC725 has been proposed for the 120 Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH) campaign and the 14 shore-based helicopters requirement of the Indian Coast Guard." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine forceindia.net, February 2015.
  52. ↑ "Coast Guard to finally get choppers it wanted post 26/11; Airbus emerges as lead". Economic Times. EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com. ET Bureau. 15 October 2015. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  53. ↑ "Airbus H225M". Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  54. ↑ "Eurocopter Cougar EC725 Technical Data" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2007.
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