Next 15 Months To Include Flight Tests, Missile Firings

The first flight testing program for the support and attack version of Eurocopter's Tiger HAD helicopter has commenced at the company’s Albacete facility in Spain.

According to a press release Thursday, the next 15 months will entail a full program of tests and development flights in order to reach the first qualification step (Block 1), which is scheduled for December 2011. These evaluations will include firing campaigns of the Mistral and Spike missiles planned before the end of this year.

“This is the first time that Eurocopter Spain has taken on the responsibility for testing a helicopter
prototype,” said Liberto Negral, who is responsible for Eurocopter’s Governmental Programs in Spain. “We are extremely proud to be performing the Tiger HAD’s flight tests, which are proceeding very well and are on time. This represents a great technical achievement for Eurocopter in Spain.”

Eurocopter Tiger HAD File Photo

The first production Tiger HAD helicopters are scheduled for delivery early 2012. Two countries already have placed orders for this version of the Eurocopter Tiger combat helicopter family, 24 ordered by Spain and 40 ordered by France. The HAD version also is being offered for export.

Over the last four months, Eurocopter’s Albacete facility has adapted the configuration of the aircraft for its HAD version, which is a derivative of the Tiger HAP support and escort helicopter variant. This activity included integration of the new MTR390 turboshaft engines, which have been specially designed for the HAD version, along with installation of new versions of the basic and mission software.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com