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Eurocopter bids for British SAR contract
Monday, 10 September, 2007
The 1:10 mock-up of the EC225 featured on the Eurocopter Stand 1177 represents the latest member of the Super Puma family, many of which are in operation in more than 20 countries for SAR missions. Fully proven in the harshest maritime environments, the EC225 is the civil certified version of the EC725 launched initially in response to a French Air Force requirement for a helicopter specifically designed for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions.
From extremely low temperatures in Norway to very high temperatures in Saudi Arabia, the unrivalled experience of the Super Puma provides the EC225 with an unmatched record of success in lifesaving missions. The EC225 can perform 24-hours-a-day SAR missions in the most demanding environments.
The main requirements of the EC725/EC225 helicopter programme were:
• Long range and high payload;
• All-weather capability and autonomous navigation system;
• High level of systems redundancy and high survivability;
• State-of-the art man-machine interface to facilitate crew work and improve situation awareness and mission effectiveness.
With a take-off weight of 11,000kg, the EC225 carries an impressive fuel load that permits an endurance of five hours, while a stronger main gearbox and new five-bladed main rotor are other important features. But what sets it apart are the unique capabilities of its autopilot. The precision and stability it can provide are setting new standards of mission capacity and safety during French Air Force personnel recovery and CSAR missions. For example, the EC225 willallow automatic hoisting on land or at sea with unrivalled precision in conditions impossible for other aircraft.
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