The
EC725 Super Cougar (also named Caracal) ) is a long-range tactical transport
helicopter designed, developed and manufactured by the French aviation
industry Eurocopter. Introduced in 2005, the EC725 has seen combat service
worldwide, including in Afghanistan. Evolved from experience gained
with the Cougar family, theEC725 is the latest version of this medium
lift (11-ton class) helicopter. EC725 has operated from ships and ashore.
It is a truly multi-purpose, versatile military asset. The EC 725 was
developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter
for Combat Search & Rescue operations after the AS 532 A2 Cougar
model was rejected for this purpose following extensive trials between
1996 and 1999. Special Ops, Combat SAR and Personal Recovery require
performance, precise navigation and survivability. In these, the EC725
is outstanding. The French Forces are successfully operating the EC725
in the harshest possible environment, in Afghanistan. The success of
the EC725 demonstrated in Afghanistan, reflects the excellent capabilities
of the EC725 as a Force Multiplier and how this aircraft can offer decisive
tactical advantage to any operator. |
Design |
The EC
725 Caracal is based on the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar, improving
upon the design with a five-blade composite main rotor incorporating
a new airfoil shape to reduce vibration levels. The helicopter
can be fitted with removable armour plating to protect the
troops and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A4 turboshaft
engines mounted over the cabin, which feature a dual-channel
Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. They
can be fitted with an anti-icing system to enable the aircraft
to operate in very cold climates. Other improvements include
a reinforced main rotor gearbox and an all glass cockpit.
The cockpit is equipped with an integrated display system
featuring a digital map and Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays.
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Avionics |
The
EC 725 Caracal is equipped with an all-glass cockpit with new
avionics and a new integrated display system including a digital
map. The display suite includes seven active matrix liquid crystal
displays: four multi-function 6in×8in displays and two
4in×5in helicopter parameter displays. The displays can
be configured to suit the operational requirements to present
flight, navigation and mission parameters. The advanced helicopter
cockpit and avionics system (AHCAS) includes an automatic flight
control system developed by SAGEM, integrating the flight, navigation
and tactical mission data. The EC725 is equipped with radar
and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) for day and night-time search
and rescue capability. The navigation suite includes Doppler
radar, global positioning system and inertial navigation system.
The search and rescue system can be programmed to provide automatic
search patterns, transition and hover. |
Powerplant |
The
EC725 Caracal is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft
engines, each providing 1,800kW power, an increase of 14% over
the previous 1A2 engine version. Each engine, complete with
systems and accessories is independent. An infrared suppression
system is installed to reduce the thermal signature of the helicopter. |
Armament |
The
EC725 Caracal can carry side-firing armament such as two 7.62mm
general purpose machine guns and a 20mm cannon. The helicopter
can also be fitted with axial pods such as two 68mm rocket launchers
or two 20mm cannons. The main fuel tanks, with a capacity of
2,539l, are installed under the floor of the cabin and in the
lateral sponsons. Auxiliary tanks can be installed in the cargo
hook well (capacity of 324l) or at the rear of the cabin (990l).
The helicopter can be equipped with a probe for air-to-air refuelling.
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Specifications |
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Type |
long-range tactical transport helicopter |
Country
user |
Brazil,
France, Indonesia, saudi Arabia, malaysia, Mexico |
Country
producer |
France |
Crew |
1
or 2 pilot
a
a
a
a |
Engine |
2 × Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts,
1,776 kW (2,382 shp) each
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|
Speed |
Maximum
speed: 262 km/h |
Range |
1,339 km maximum
a |
Weight |
5,330
kg empty |
Avionics |
Advanced helicopter cockpit and avionics system
(AHCAS), radar and FLIR (forward-looking infrared)
for day and night-time search and rescue capability,
Doppler radar, global positioning system and
inertial navigation system.
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Dimensions |
Length:
19.50 m; Rotor Diameter: 16.2 m;
Height: 4.6 m
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