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.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com, www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/air/ (in French)