Covers Come Off For The Eurosatory Defense Exhibition

The newest member of Eurocopter's military helicopter family will be shown for the first time at next week's Eurosatory defense exhibition.  The EC645 is the militarized version of Eurocopter's EC145 helicopter.

 
File Photo

The U.S. Army currently is acquiring 345 EC145s in the UH-72A configuration as its new Light Utility Helicopter, while a U.S.-specific armed version called the AAS-72X is to be proposed for the U.S. military's Armed Aerial Scout requirement. The EC645 responds to demands for a 3.5-metric ton weight category that can be rapidly reconfigured for a full range of mission requirements to meet complex combat scenarios such as asymmetric warfare.

Equipped with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS) developed by Eurocopter and ATE, the EC645 incorporates a mission computer, an electro-optical system with TV and infrared cameras and laser telemeter (with laser designator as needed), a targeting system with a helmet mounted sight and display, two multi-purpose weapon pylons with slaving units, and a choice of weapons loads (guns, missiles and unguided or guided rockets).

This integrated weapons system - combined with the aircraft's glass cockpit - provides full situational awareness for the crew, while self-protection is provided by the helicopter's armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, threat detectors and chaff/flare dispensers.

 
File Photo

Eurocopter is also exhibiting a scale model of the NH-90 in both configurations, tactical transport and Naval, reflecting the scope of this helicopter program in Europe, which, to date, has received more than 529 orders from 14 nations.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com