The Polish Ministry of Defense announced the winners of two tenders for the supply of transport helicopters and air defense missiles.

Winners of the tender: Airbus H225M Caracal helicopter, won over the previously planned one; Raytheon Patriot anti-aircraft guided missile system won the tender against the MBDA / Thales Aster 30 system.

This decision on the tender dealt a blow to the pocketbook and reputation of Sikorski's American helicopter manufacturer, which, in turn, was the first Western helicopter manufacturer to invest in the Polish aerospace industry. The Polish Ministry of Defense explained that the Sikorsky S-70 was not selected for a number of formal and technical reasons, in addition, the delivery schedules were supposed to be very stretched.

Representatives of the company said that they were "extremely disappointed" by this circumstance. The third bidder in the tender was AgustaWestland with AW149

An Airbus spokesman explained that the Airbus H225M Caracal helicopter is likely to best meet the selection criteria from the Polish counterparts, as it offers a single platform and high-speed assembly of equipment.

Poland is home to Heli Invest, an Airbus partner in the Polish Agreement, and the company will play a significant role in local helicopter production.

Until now, Heli Invest has been a distributor and maintenance of Airbus helicopters and equipment in the civil sector. The final assembly of the helicopters will take place in Łódź (a city in Poland), where Airbus Helicopers recently opened a research and development center. The first copies of the Polish "Caracals" will be built at the Airbus plant in Marignane (France), where Polish workers will be trained. Engine manufacturer Turbomeca will also do final assembly in Poland.

An Airbus spokesman did not comment on reports of the cost of the tender: 2,300,000,000 € ($2.3 billion). However, the contract will not be signed until the Polish side has completed the full technical assessment, and also will not test the H225M helicopter, which is scheduled for May-June 2015. Deliveries are expected to start in 2017.

Under a requirement issued in March 2013, the new program aims to replace Russian Mi-17/TTH helicopters for the country's ground forces and Mi-14 for the navy.

Currently, Poland is going to announce a tender for the purchase of 25 - 30 attack helicopters. A recent statement by the country's Ministry of Defense suggests a quick exit to the deal.

Also, eight batteries of Patriot missiles will be purchased from the United States (Foreign Military Sales (FMS)). The first two will arrive within three years after the signing of the contract.

Eurocopter EC725 Caracal (also known as Super Cougar), (rebranded as Airbus Helicopters H225M)- a long-range multi-purpose military transport helicopter developed by Eurocopter on the basis of a helicopter in the late 1990s. It belongs to the last generation of the Puma family, which also includes a civilian helicopter.

Story EC725

Initially, the French Air Force began to experience the need for a helicopter with improved flight characteristics. AS532 Cougar, in the process of testing and military exercises, with increasing difficulty fulfilled the tasks assigned to it, which became more and more difficult from year to year. Already in 1996, it became clear that a new helicopter was needed. The main claim of the French was to the engine - it was not powerful enough. Also rescue and search activity demanded the ability to keep the helicopter in the air longer. In addition, the resource of the basic models was insufficient for active operation.

Eurocopter has decided to carry out the next wave of deep modernization of the Puma family. As the helicopter once replaced the old one, now the new EC225 was supposed to replace the AS332. And the military version was supposed to replace the outdated AS532 Cougar, respectively.

On November 27, 2000, the first helicopter took off the ground, and a few months later it was shown to the public at an official presentation. Like its predecessors, the EC725 was a military branch of the civilian EC225 and had many common elements with it, primarily engines, transmission and main rotor.

Description: Demonstration flight of Caracal helicopters at the LIMA 2015 airshow

Design EC725

The Eurocopter EC725 is a medium multipurpose transport helicopter with a classic single-rotor design with a tail rotor, two turboshaft engines and a tricycle landing gear.

The new helicopter was equipped with a five-bladed propeller with new fiberglass blades and elastomeric bearings. Due to the installation of more powerful Turbomeka Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines, the design of the main gearbox was strengthened. The motors are equipped with a digital control system with double redundancy and a self-monitoring system.

The equipment includes a new autopilot. Six liquid crystal multifunction indicators are mounted in the cab. It is possible to install an in-flight refueling system.

To solve combat search and rescue tasks, the helicopter has specialized equipment, weapons and countermeasure systems. The EC725 can be armed with a 20mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns, 2 x NURS, or 2 x 20mm cannon pods.

The crew of the EC 725 is two people. Payload - up to 29 soldiers or 12 stretchers and 4 seats. In the option of increased comfort 8-12 people.

Exploitation EC725

Deliveries of helicopters to the launch customer, the French Air Force, began in 2002. The delivery of the first batch of 20 vehicles was completed in 2004. By 2015, helicopters are produced on the basis of Eurocopter in France, as well as licensed in Brazil. Airbus Helicopters also plans to start licensed production of this helicopter in India.

Helicopter scheme EC725 Caracal

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Helicopter Eurocopter EC725 Caracal (France)

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal is the evolution of the SA.330 Puma, Super Puma AS.332 and AS.532 Cougar family of helicopters. The EC725 was developed by the Eurocopter association. The first flight took place in November 2000. Full-scale production began in 2005.

It is worth noting that "Eurocopter EC725 Caracal" is the French version of the name of the Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopter. The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal helicopter is a medium tactical transport helicopter designed for the French Air Force.

In the summer of 2006, three EC 725 Caracal helicopters were used by the French Air Force in Lebanon during the Baliste military operation. Three more vehicles were delivered to Afghanistan in 2007, where they support the armed forces of the international coalition.

The layout of the EC725 helicopter is single-rotor with a five-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor. The propeller blades are constructed from composite materials. Their ends are slightly bent down, which reduces the level of vibration. The main and tail screws are equipped with Spheriflex bushings. The helicopter airframe is also partly made of composite materials, which helps to reduce the radar cross section. The front and two main landing gear are equipped with wheels (2 each), which, if necessary, retract back. In front of the fuselage, there is a place for installing emergency inflatable floats. The cargo compartment can transport up to 29 paratroopers. The helicopter also has a winch, which allows lifting the victims.

The power plant of the helicopter consists of two Turbomeca Makila 2A gas turbine engines with a takeoff power of 2100 hp each. With. The engine design is modular. The main gearbox can run up to 30 minutes without lubrication. The main fuel tanks are located under the floor of the cargo compartment, as well as in the fairings on the sides of the fuselage. Instead of a cargo winch, another fuel tank is often installed. The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal can be equipped with an in-flight refueling system.

The cockpit is made according to the "glass cockpit" scheme. On the dashboard are six liquid crystal color displays with a moving map of the area. The helicopter is equipped with a search radar, a FLIR thermal imaging system, and a GPS system. The search and rescue system can be programmed so that the EC725 Caracal will automatically enter the search area and enter the hover mode.

In addition to the armed search and rescue and transport versions of the EU 725 helicopter, there is a VIP version that can take on board from 8 to 12 passengers, and an ambulance version that can carry 12 wounded on a stretcher, accompanied by 4 orderlies.

Eurocopter EC725 Caracal is in service with France, Algeria, Brazil, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand. The first exporter of Eurocopter EC725 Caracal helicopters was Algeria, which ordered 2 VIP helicopters to serve the president of the country.

MULTI-PURPOSE HELICOPTER EC725 COUGAR MK.II+ (EUROCOPTER)
MULTIPURPOSE HELICOPTER EC725 COUGAR MK.II+ (EUROCOPTER)

MULTI-PURPOSE HELICOPTER EC725 COUGAR MK.II+

On the basis of the AS 532U2 / A2 Cougar Mk.II helicopter, Eurocopter created an upgraded version, which received the designation EC 725 Cougar Mk.II +. Work on the new version began in 1999, after it turned out that the characteristics of the Cougar Mk. II do not allow to effectively solve search and rescue tasks. The prototype helicopter made its first flight lasting 50 minutes in November 2000. On January 15, 2001, a presentation of a new helicopter, designated EC 725, took place. In March 2003, evaluation tests took place. The adoption of the French army began in 2003. In total, by 2015, France plans to purchase 14 helicopters.
The new helicopter was equipped with a five-bladed propeller with new fiberglass blades and elastomeric spherical bearings. Due to the installation of more powerful Turbomeka Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines (power of 2413 hp, which is 14% higher than the engines on the Cougar Mk.II helicopter), the design of the main gearbox was strengthened. The motors are equipped with a digital control system with double redundancy and a self-monitoring system.

The maximum takeoff weight has increased to 11,000 kg, and the payload to 5,700 kg. The equipment includes a new autopilot.
The equipment includes a new autopilot. Six liquid crystal multifunction indicators are mounted in the cab. It is possible to install an in-flight refueling system. To solve combat search and rescue tasks, the helicopter has specialized equipment, weapons and countermeasure systems. The EC 725 can be armed with 1 20mm cannon with 960 rounds of ammunition or 2 7.62mm AA 762 NF1 machine guns or 2 NURS units or 2 20mm hanging cannon pods.
The crew of the EC 725 is two people. Payload - up to 29 soldiers or 12 stretchers and 4 seats. In the option of increased comfort 8-12 people. The cruising speed at an altitude of 1000 meters with a takeoff weight of 9750 kg is 296 km/h. Ferry flight range 1400 km. The range during the search and rescue operation is up to 500 km.
Helicopters EC725 Cougar are in service with the Air Force of Brazil and France.

In March 2009, the Mexican Military Department ordered six EC725 Cougar multipurpose helicopters from the European aircraft manufacturer Eurocopter. Previously, Eurocopter has never supplied its products to the Mexican army, although the representation of the European concern in this country has been operating for over 25 years. Eurocopter helicopters are used only by the country's maritime ministry, and one of the machines was chosen as the presidential board.
Prior to the conclusion of the contract with the Mexican military department, Eurocopter has already received orders for 151 EC725 helicopters, as well as its civilian version of the EC225 from 17 buyers.

On December 16, 2014, a specialized team of experts from Helibras and Airbus Helicopters conducted tests for the Brazilian Navy of a prototype EC725 helicopter equipped with two MBDA Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles and a nose detection radar marine targets Telephonics AN / APS-143. The Brazilian Navy plans to upgrade 8 out of 16 EC725 helicopters to this configuration. As part of the program " Project H-X BR, the Brazilian Ministry of Defense has ordered 50 EC725 helicopters for three army corps. During the tests in Marignane, more than 20 flights were completed within one month - from April to May 2014.
Tests with weapons as heavy as 700 kg rockets are very rare and require close coordination and cooperation of several organizations, incl. armament, installation, integration, calculations, aerodynamics, loads, vibration and flight testing.
According to a press release from the Brazilian Navy, tests in various modes and maneuvers were successful and confirmed the preliminary evaluations of ground tests (selection tests and associated extensive computer simulations) conducted by Airbus Helicopter and MBDA
Following positive flight tests in France, certification tests will be conducted in Brazil in 2015 by the Airbus Helicopters-Helibras consortium. The Brazilian company Helibras will use the platform of the prototype, which will subsequently be the first EC725 helicopter (locally designated UH-15A) delivered to the Brazilian Navy.

Another commercial success of the Caracal helicopters. A French government press release dated June 10, 2015 states that French President François Hollande and the Emir of Kuwait discussed the sale of Airbus Helicopter Caracal H225M helicopters to Kuwait to equip the country's air force. Kuwait wishes to order 24 helicopters of this type.
This is a new success for the Caracal helicopters, which are in service with the French Air Force and Army Aviation. These helicopters have recently been selected by Poland. The contract has not yet been concluded, but Poland in April of this year announced a decision to purchase from 48 to 70 helicopters of this type. Currently, foreign operators of Caracal helicopters are Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Mexico.

MODIFICATIONS
Aerospatiale Puma
Eurocopter AS 332
Eurocopter EC 225
Eurocopter AS 532

CHARACTERISTICS

Empty weight: 5445kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 11000kg
with hanging load: 11200kg
Length:19.5m
Fuselage length:16.79m
Main rotor diameter:16.2m
Tail rotor diameter: 3.15m
The largest width of the fuselage: 2.0m
Height: 4.97m
Rotor swept area: 206.12 sq.m
Chassis base: 5.25m
Chassis track: 3.0m
Power plant: 2 × turboshaft Turbomeca Makila 2A
Engine power: 2×2101hp (2×1567kW)
Maximum allowable speed: 315km/h
Level speed: 296km/h
Practical range: 1450 km (without additional tanks)
Ferry range: 1852km
Flight duration: 6.5h
Disk load: 53.4kg/sq.m (at maximum takeoff weight)
Thrust-to-weight ratio: 285W/kg (at maximum takeoff weight without suspension)
Combat radius:
when transferring 19 soldiers (110kg): 463km
when searching for 30 minutes over the sea area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe sea and fuel for 30 minutes of flight: 389km
Number of crew members: 1-2

TRANSPORTATION CAPABILITIES

Most passengers: 29
Load capacity: 5555kg
Cargo cabin length: 7.87m
Cargo cabin width: 1.8m
Cargo cabin height: 1.45m
Useful volume of the cargo compartment: 15.0 sq.m

WEAPONS

20 mm GIAT M621 cannon with 960 rounds mounted in the cockpit door or two 7.62 mm AA 762 NF1 machine guns and a container with two 20 mm GIAT M621 cannons with 360 rounds,
2 launchers Matra 155, Thomson-Brandt 68-22 or Thomson-Brandt 68-36 c 18, 32 or 36 68 mm NUR

Sources: www.airbushelicopters.com, military-informer.narod.ru, avia.pro, Military Parity, www.meta.kz, airspot.ru, Navy Recognition, Air&Cosmos, etc.

Rugged, powerful and ready to go

Powered by two powerful Turbomeca Makila 2A turbine engines, a rugged five-blade main rotor and a Spheriflex hub, the H225 offers customers long range and high cruising speed along with long flight duration in excess of 5 hours and 30 minutes.

The Super Puma family of helicopters, which includes the H225, has exceeded 5,000,000 hours of flight time in operations around the world in all weather conditions, including difficult sea conditions.

Infographic Comfort from takeoff to landing

The H225 provides a comfortable flight for both passengers and crew. The spacious air-conditioned cabin accommodates up to 19 passengers and is equipped with energy-absorbing staggered seating, which increases the personal space of each passenger.

Low noise and vibration levels add extra comfort, giving the impression of flying in an airplane.

Modern cabin

The helicopter is equipped with a modern cockpit with digital instruments transmitting information about the flight and monitoring systems. Outstanding flight accuracy and stability are provided by the dual duplex 4-axis autopilot with automatic system flight control. It is capable of automatically calculating and executing approach as well as trajectory calculation for search and rescue operations along with fully automatic mode hovering.

The HUMS integrated airborne monitoring and diagnostic system provides data recording and proactive monitoring, which improves flight safety. The limit indicator display allows you to monitor the power of the motors in any condition, as well as the power reserve under the condition of two or one engine running.

Safety first

State-of-the-art avionics and autopilot system reduce pilot workload and improve flight safety through an improved cockpit interface.

The H225 is arctic-certified and is equipped with an automatic flotation system, as well as a collision avoidance system coupled to an autopilot.

AT emergency cabin windows are easily squeezed out, which ensures quick evacuation and quick access to life rafts. H225 is also certified to operate the transmission without oil supply for 30 minutes.

The H225 is the first helicopter in the industry to receive an original equipment manufacturer flight manual.

Convenient to maintain

Based on global experience Maintenance operators of the Super Puma family of helicopters, Airbus has developed a maintenance program for the H225 that offers greater flexibility in scheduling regular inspections.

This allows aircraft operators to more accurately calculate their own costs and effectively manage flight activities. As a result, the number and types of inspections are reduced, since many aspects of the service can be checked in one go and scheduled for a specific date. Regular mandatory checkups can now be done less frequently.

Built-in testing systems and related documentation allow operators to carry out diagnostics of avionics operation themselves without involving additional equipment.

More information can be found in the "