|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||
|
By Bill Goldston |
||||
 |
February 22, 2011 - Eurocopter’s commitment to meeting
the operational requirements of governments and armed
forces and civil operators in the Arab world with its
broad helicopter product line will be highlighted at
next week’s International Defense Exhibition and
Conference (IDEX) in
More than 650 Eurocopter helicopters currently are
flying in across the Middle East and through the Arabian
Gulf, with over than 80 percent of them in military use
to support missions that include combat, transport,
search and rescue (SAR), counter-terrorism, special
operations and training. |
|||
|
New business opportunities for Eurocopter include the evolving needs in air coverage for security, border patrol missions and support missions; the expanded civilian operations resulting from an opening of airspace that had been reserved for the military in numerous countries; and the overall renewal of aging rotary-wing aircraft fleets.
“With a strong footprint in the region, we continue to see a
demand for our helicopters across a full spectrum of military
and civilian use,” said Xavier Hay, Eurocopter's Vice President
for Middle East and
One area of development foreseen by Eurocopter is in corporate
airlift and oil & gas transportation, especially with the
relaxation of airspace regulations for such civilian flight
activity in many
Police and law enforcement agencies are prime Eurocopter
customers in a large number of Gulf countries. A complete range
of Eurocopter light twin helicopters from two to four tons –
incorporating the AS355, BK117, EC135, EC145 and Dauphin N3 –
already are protecting the population in the Arab world.
To meet the Arab world’s requirements for highly-capable
multi-role military helicopters, Eurocopter’s Fennec AS550 is a
proven aircraft suited for extremely hot climates and high
altitudes. Applications include combat missions, fire support,
observation, protection and training. More than 4,850
helicopters from the Ecureuil/Fennec family in single-engine and
twin-engine variants have been delivered to over 90 countries,
which include such customers as the |
||||
|
Eurocopter’s EC635 lightweight twin-engine helicopter is being fielded
in growing numbers across the Arab world, building on its current
operations with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. It offers the combination
of a compact helicopter with performance and maneuverability for use in
scout, anti-piracy and public security missions.
The EC645 also is well tailored for the region’s security and defense
needs, providing excellent performance, a spacious cabin and proven
reliability. This twin-engine rotary-wing aircraft – which is an armed
derivative of Eurocopter EC145, in service many operators around the
world, including the U.S. Army – answers the increasing demand by armed
forces for a multi-role helicopter that can accommodate a large range of
mission equipment, including the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS)
developed by Eurocopter and ATE.
SAWS incorporates a mission computer, an electro-optical system with TV,
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 guns,
missiles and unguided or guided rockets as weapons loads.
The AS565 Panther combines speed and maneuverability required for
security and defense missions, with its capabilities further enhanced by
this twin-engine helicopter’s endurance, range and unmatched
capabilities in overwater surveillance, tracking and search & rescue –
which have been proven in Middle East operations for the protection of
coastlines and surveillance of offshore economic zones with countries
such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
For the heavy helicopter segment, Eurocopter has a long history in the
Middle East and Gulf with a large Puma and Super Puma/Cougar fleet that
counts more than 140 helicopters in |
|
|
©AvStop
Online Magazine
Contact
Us
Return To News
|
|
