Thu, May 11, 2006
Will Mount Search-And-Rescue, Special Operations
Aero-News has learned that Eurocopter's EC725 helicopter has
been declared operational for Combat Search & Rescue
purposes.
The EC725 -- which Eurocopter touts as the most accomplished
helicopter in the world for Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR)
operations -- will progressively take over from the former
generation helicopters, offering substantially improved operational
capabilities.
At Wednesday's ceremony -- presided over by French Air
Force Chief of Staff General Richard Wolsztynski -- Eurocopter
President Fabrice Br�gier emphasized the success of the
EC725 program, from program ordering in 2002 to qualification in
2004, and expressed his satisfaction at the exemplary cooperation
between Eurocopter and the various French Government agencies
involved.
The French Air Force, which is the
EC725 launch customer, will ultimately operate six of the
helicopters for CSAR missions, of which four have already been
delivered. The French Army will acquire eight EC725s -- seven of
which have already been delivered -- for duties with the Special
Operations Squadron.
Besides normal support and operability assurances, the support
contract between Eurocopter and the French Armed Forces for the
helos also includes power-by-the-hour maintenance.
The EC 725 is the latest member of the Cougar family, and
benefits from the experience acquired by its predecessors and from
major technical advances. The twin-engine, medium-weight EC 725 is
designed for long-distance tactical transport, SAR and Combat SAR
missions, medical transport, and logistic support. It can also be
used for naval operations.
Notable new features of the EC725 include an entirely new main
rotor head, a reinforced main gearbox, new engines, and a new
integrated piloting and display system.
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