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Airbus Helicopters H725/EC725 (Caracal/Super Cougar)

2005 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Airbus Helicopters H725/EC725 (Caracal/Super Cougar)

The Eurocopter EC725 series helicopters were developed in accordance with the requirements of the French Air Force for military long-range search and rescue SAR platforms. Eurocopter began converting the existing AS532 "Puma" series (referring to the previous SA 330 "Puma" brand) to the AS 532 A2 "Puma". Formal trials of the design were conducted from 1996 to 1999, during which time many areas were found to be lacking in development. This prompted a second submission - EC 725 "Super Cougar" - to appear. The helicopter is equipped with two Turbomeca Makila series turboshaft engines, each producing 2,400 hp, driving a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.

After its maiden flight in January 2001, the aircraft entered service with the French Air Force in 2005 as the "Eurocopter EC 725 Caracal", priced at 15 million euros each.

The key to the EC 725's design is its long-range capability and medium lift mass. Originally developed for SAR roles, the type has steadily increased in use in roles such as special forces "taxi", humanitarian relief, troop transport, and VIP transport. As such, the type can be configured to carry up to 28 infantrymen, 12,500 pounds of cargo, or 12 stretchers (with medics for medical evacuation missions).

With optional armament, the EC 725 can be equipped with a pair of window-mounted general purpose machine guns (FN MAG or equivalent) or side-mounted 68mm rocket pods or side-mounted 20mm GIAT cannon pods.

The EC 725 was piloted by two crew members in a tightly framed cockpit, followed by a crew chief in the aft cabin (and, where appropriate, the window gunner). The cockpit is fully digital, with a full-color map display and a clear LCD display. The nacelle occupies most of the interior space in the middle of the hull, and the turboshaft engine is mounted on top of the nacelle.

The engine drives the main blades in a conventional manner, with a drive shaft extending in the tail boom to the tail rotor. The landing gear consists of two single-wheel main legs and a double-tire front leg. The in-flight refueling probe can be installed on the front and starboard side of the aircraft for in-flight refueling, which greatly expands the operating range.

Customers can use a variety of kits to equip the EC 725 with the required task roles.

Operators of the EC 725 (in addition to the French Air Force and Navy) include the Brazilian Air Force, Navy, Army and Government, Kazakhstan Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force and Mexican Air Force. About 30 are in use, and dozens more are on order - some of which will be produced locally in Brazil and Kazakhstan.