Aerospatiale Super Puma / SA.332 / AS.532 Cougar     Франция, 1978
Eurocopter EC.225 / EC.725 Caracal     International, 2000
Airbus H215 Super Puma     International, 2015
Варианты:
Aerospatiale - Super Puma / SA.332 / AS.532 Cougar - 1978 - Франция
Страна: Франция
Год: 1978
Вертолет

Средний транспортный вертолет с экипажем из двух/трех человек
Описание
Фотографии:

Цветные фото (193)
Eurocopter (Aerospatiale) AS 332, AS 532, EC225, EC725 Super Puma и Cougar
  
   Появившийся в 1974 году Super Puma (Aerospatiale AS 332) виделся преемником SA 330 Puma. Новая машина в целом сохранила компоновочные и конструктивные особенности Puma, включая трехопорное убираемое шасси, но была выполнена на новом технологическом уровне с использованием лопастей несущего винта из стеклопластика. Внешне Super Puma отличается от Puma установленным под хвостовой балкой килем и более развитым обтекателем в носовой части фюзеляжа, под которым возможна установка метео-РЛС Bendix/King RDR 1400 или Honeywell Primus 500. Вертолет предназначался для гражданского применения, тем не менее, в его конструкцию заложили и специфически военные особенности - например, возможность работы редуктора в течение часа без смазки, а пробитая 12,7-мм пулей лопасть выдерживала работу в течение 40 часов. Установленные на Puma двигатели Turmo заменили на Makila 1A мощностью по 1780 л.с., которые выходят на максимальный режим работы за 1,5 секунд.
   Первый полет был выполнен 13 сентября 1978 года; на прототип внедрили все новинки - втулку несущего винта типа Starflex, новую трансмиссию, противообледенительную систему лопастей несущего винта, шасси с более широкой колей и одноколесными основными опорами. Эксплуатация Super Puma началась в 1981 году с военного варианта AS 332B и гражданского AS 332C. Оба варианта сохранили размер кабины Puma с объемом 11,40 м3, рассчитанную на перевозку 12-15 солдат в полной выкладке или 21 пассажира. На следующий год начались поставки удлиненных на 0,76 м вариантов гражданского AS 332L и военного AS 332M, объем кабины на этих машина составлял 13,30 м3, что позволяло перевозить на четыре пассажира больше.
   В январе 1990 года военные варианты переименовали в Cougar (позже Cougar Mk I) и ввели для них новое обозначение AS 532 и новые суффиксы: AS 532AC и AS 532UC - для вооруженного и невооруженного с коротким фюзеляжем соответственно; AS 532AL и AS 532UL - для вооруженного и невооруженного с длинным фюзеляжем; невооруженный поисково-спасательный морской вариант стал обозначаться AS 532MC; морской противолодочный/противокорабельный AS 532SC. Ранее оба морских варианта обозначались AS 332F, морского варианта с длинным фюзеляжем не существовало. Для гражданского рынка выпускались AS 332L Super Puma, используемые, в основном, для обслуживания буровых платформ на континентальном шельфе. В настоящее время выпускается гражданский вариант с длинным фюзеляжем AS 332L1 на 20 пассажиров и улучшенная модификация AS 332L Tiger, разработанная специально для работы на буровых Северного моря и заказанная компанией "Bristow Helicopter". Последние построенные Cougar Mk I оснащены двигателями Makila 1A1 мощностью 1877 л. с.
   6 февраля 1987 года выполнил первый полет прототип AS 532M2 Cougar Mk II (гражданский вариант AS 332L2 Super Puma Mk II) с двумя двигателями Makila 1A2 мощностью по 2104 л.с., втулками несущего и рулевого винтов типа Spheriflex с эластомерными подшипниками, удлиненными лопастями несущего винта, увеличенными бортовыми спонсонами, в которых разместили топливные баки, спасательные плотики и т. п. Дальнейшее увеличение длины фюзеляжа позволило разместить в кабине 28 пассажиров. Эксплуатация Cougar и Super Puma в варианте Mk II началась в 1992 году. Данный вариант использован как платформа для французской радиолокационной системы наблюдения за полем боя HORIZON (Helicoptere d'Observation Radar et d'Investigation sur ZONe), разработанной в конце 1990-х годов. Сухопутные войска Франции изначально заказали 20 вертолетов с системой Orchidee, проходившей отработку на AS 330B в варианте с РЛС меньших размеров Orphee. Работы по сочетанию Orchidee и Cougar Mk II прекратили в 1990 году из-за высокой сложности, но после операции "Daguet" (французская составляющая "Бури в пустыне") их возобновили. Опыт 24 боевых вылетов вертолетов с системой HORIZON не прошел даром, и с "Eurocopter" в октябре 1992 года заключили контракт на постройку двух вертолетов AS 532UL с системами Orchidee. Первый из них поднялся в воздух 8 декабря 1992 года, первый из шести серийных заказчик получил в апреле 1994 года. Сухопутные войска Франции заменили часть своих AS 330 на AS 532 Cougar, на конец 2009 года в армейской авиации имелось 22 таких вертолета.
   Вооружение армейских Cougar ограничено пулеметами и блоками НАР. Морской AS 532C способен нести две противокорабельные ракеты AM39 Exocet или противолодочные самонаводящиеся торпеды, также предусмотрена возможность базирования вертолета на кораблях - шасси оборудованы баллонетами для посадки на воду. Развитые спонсоны с баллонетами могут, по желанию заказчика, устанавливаться на вертолете любой модификации.
   Лицензионное производство AS 330 наладили в Индонезии на "IPTN (Eurocopter)", в начале 1980-х годов, затем завод переориентировали на выпуск AS 332C и AS 332L, выпускавшихся под обозначением NAS 332. Выкатка первого вертолета, заказанного для гражданского сектора рынка, состоялась в апреле 1983 года. В некоторых странах Super Puma получили собственные обозначения: CH-34 в Бразилии, HD.21 (поисково-спасательный) и HT.21 (VIP) в Испании, HKP 10 в Швеции. Рекламируемый как AS 532U2 военный вариант AS 532M2 воплотился в модификацию AS 532A2, на основе которого в 1999 году был создан боевой поисково-спасательный вертолет для ВВС Франции. "Eurocopter" также разработал дешевый вариант Mk II - AS532UB/AS532AB Cougar 100 - без спонсонов и с упрощенным составом оборудования.
   На 2010 год линейка "Eurocopter" включала три военные модификации Cougar, включая перспективный EC725 с новым пятилопастным несущим винтом и двумя двигателями Makila 2A мощностью по 2413 л.с., рассчитанный на перевозку 29 солдат, а также AS 532SC с коротким фюзеляжем и AS 532AL с длинным фюзеляжем. Коммерческим заказчикам предлагаются EC225 (эквивалент EC725)и AS332L1 с длинным фюзеляжем.


Варианты

   AS532UB Cougar: упрощенный и менее дорогой военный Cougar Mk I для использования в качестве невооруженного транспортного вертолета с неубираемым шасси и максимальной взлетной массой 9000 кг
   AS532AB Cougar Mk I: вооруженный вариант AS532UB
   AS532U2 Cougar Mk II: невооруженный военно-транспортный вертолет с экипажем из двух человек, способный перевозить 29 солдат


ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Aerospatiale AS 532UC Cougar Mk I

   Тип: средний транспортный вертолет с экипажем из двух/трех человек
   Силовая установка: два турбовальных двигателя Turbomeca Makila 1A1 мощностью по 1877 л. с. (1400 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная крейсерская скорость на уровне моря 262 км/ч; начальная скороподъемность 420 м/мин; динамический потолок 4100 м; статический потолок с учетом влияния земли 2700 м; статический потолок без учета влияния земли 1600 км; дальность со стандартной заправкой 618 км
   Масса: пустого 4330 кг; максимальная взлетная 9350 кг
   Размеры: диаметр несущего винта 15,60 м; длина с вращающимися винтами 18,70 м; площадь, ометаемая несущим винтом, 191,13 м2
   Полезная нагрузка: до 21 солдата или груз массой до 4500 кг внутри и на внешней подвеске
Mk I France
13 сентября 1978г.: первый полет выполнил прототип вертолета Aerospatiale AS 332 Super Puma (F-WZJA) с двумя ТВД Turbomeca Makila 1A.
One of the final two Super Pumas of EH 1/44 in front of the squadron's hangars in March 2016. The final two will be sold to Spain.
An Armee de l'Air Super Puma of EH 1/44 'Solenzara' was drafted in to provide transportation during the VIP and press days and the end of Corsican Lion.
Hyeres Naval Air Station was extremely busy during the last few days of Corsican Lion. Here, a Flottille 31F NH90 is towed back towards a hangar while a French Super Puma waits to pick up VIPs.
Spain
Армия Испании эксплуатирует вертолеты Puma (местное обозначение HT-21, на снимке) и Cougar (HT-27).
Spanish Army/BHELMA IV AS332B1 Super Puma HT.21-09/‘ET-507'at Cuatro Vientos Air Base on May 30, 2015 on temporary loan to the Spanish Air Force's 803 Escuadron. The helicopter will reinforce the unit's depleted Super Puma fleet, which is operated in the combat search and rescue role. After an initial two-year loan a decision will be made on whether to keep it on air force strength. This will depend on the availability of new NH90s due for delivery to the army.
Spanish Army AS 532UL Cougars were delivered from 1998 onwards (1999)
Объем кабины у AS 532UC остался таким же, как на вертолете Puma, но в его днище строго под осью несущего винта сделан люк, дающий возможность перевозить на внешней подвеске груз массой до 4500 кг.
Наряду с вертолетами UH-1, AB212 и Chinook, армейская авиация Испании в качестве транспортных эксплуатирует и вертолеты AS 532 Super Puma/Cougar.
Лопасти несущего винта Super Puma - композитные, накладки носка выполнены из титана с термонагревательным элементом. Такие лопасти легче и аэродинамически эффективнее лопастей, установленных на вертолетах Puma.
Три эскадрили испанских ВВС вооружены вертолетами Super Puma (на фотографии) и Puma. Для выполнения спасательных работ по правому борту их фюзеляжей смонтированы лебедки.
A brand-new AS332C1 Super Puma purchased by the Spanish Government arrived at Airbus Helicopter’s plant at Albacete at the end of July 2016 for modification to search and rescue configuration and painting took to the air for the first time in full Ejercito del Aire colours on September 22.
An Ejercito del Aire Super Puma, armed with an M3M 0.50 machine gun approaches a landing zone at Ederheide to drop off British extraction force personnel.
Fourth H215 taking off from Albacete on March 21, 2019, to begin a series of testing flights with a Centro Logistico de Armamento y Experimentation (Logistics Centre of Armament and Experimentation) crew, before entry in service in the Canary Islands with 82 Grupo.
An Italian HH-101 and an AB212ICO, together with a Spanish Super Puma, took part in two CSAR missions during FC 2018-01.
A recovered aircrew, one of them made-up to simulate injuries, is guided to the rescue helicopter, in this case an Ejercito del Aire Super Puma from Cuatro Vientos-based Escuadron 803.
Italian extraction force personnel carry a Dutchman acting as a wounded aircrew member to a French NH90.
Six areas of heathland in the Netherlands and three airfields in Belgium were used as training locations during APROC.
The third Spanish H215, HD21-17/802-17, at the Airbus Helicopters plant in Albacete, ready for delivery on February 1, 2018.
Gilze-Rijen's secondary runway acted as flight line for the foreign helicopters and E-550 CAEW participating in APROC.
The final Ejercito del Aire H215 seen after landing at the Airbus Helicopters plant at Albacete. Behind is the second H215 bought by the Ejercito del Aire (registered HD.21-18/802-18) starting engines for a test flight, prior to its delivery to the Gando, Canary Islands-based 82 Grupo in December 2017.
H215 with test registration F-WWOA is pictured landing at the Airbus Helicopter plant in Albacete after a ferry flight from Marignane. The helicopter will become HD.21-19/802-19 in the EdA inventory.
Brazil
Одна эскадрилья авиации ВМС Бразилии вооружена вертолетами AS 332M Cougar, которые применяются в качестве транспортных и поисково-спасательных.
Greece
ВВС Греции
Saudi Arabia
AS 532SC Cougar naval variant of the Royal Saudi Navy equipped with Exocet missiles (1997)
Chile
В авиации ВМС Чили имеются вертолеты AS 332 и AS 532. На фотографии - вертолет из ударной противолодочной эскадрильи НА- 7.
A Chilean Navy AS332 Super Puma carrying an Exocet missile. It operates this type of helicopter from the country’s County class destroyers and Leander class frigates.
Chilean Navy AS 532SC Super Puma 72, armed with AM 39 Exocet air-to-surface anti-ship missiles. The last aircraft with the old AS 332 and AS 532 designations were ordered in 2001 and now the type is in production with new EC designations.
Bolivia
The third Bolivian Air Force AS332C1e Jatun Puma FAB782 seen arriving at the Airbus Helicopters' plant at Albacete, Spain on October 15, 2015. The aircraft was formally accepted by the Bolivian Air Force at Marignane in France and was ferried to Albacete to continue training Bolivian pilots and technicians.
Civil
Heliswiss International AS332C1 Super Puma HB-XVY visited Elstree in May 2018 to lift heavy power equipment for installation in a London building.
"Tyrolean Airways" эксплуатирует данный вертолет AS 332C Super Puma с начала 1980-х годов. Он применялся для выполнения широкого круга работ, например, для монтажа опор подъемника на горнолыжной трассе.
To be built in Romania with a rollout in 2017, Airbus Helicopters H215 (Model AS332 C1) made the final stop of its US Demo Tour at McClellan Field for AFF 2016. This latest example in the Super Puma/Cougar series is powered by two 1,877shp (187kW) Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines that give it the ability to lift a 9,920 lb (4,499 kg) external sling load. Internally the utility version can carry 20 fully equipped firefighters, while a slightly longer model has seats for 22.
The recently-delivered H215 Super Puma will allow China's SGGAC to expand its operations in remote regions of the country.
 
Eurocopter AS 532UB/AB Cougar 100 economy utility helicopter with fixed landing gear (1997)
Mk II France
6 февраля 1987г.: "Aerospatiale" начала летные испытания Super Puma Mk II с новой втулкой несущего винта, лопастями увеличенной хорды и слегка удлиненным фюзеляжем.
Except for two aircraft assigned to the Groupement Aero Mobilite de la Section Technique de I'Armee de Terre, the Aviation Legere de I'Armee de Terre test and evaluation unit, the AS532UL Cougar fleet is now entirely based at Pau with the helicopters being assigned to 4e RHFS and 5e RHC.
"Aerospatiale" удлинила фюзеляж AS 532U2 на 0,76 м, что позволило довести пассажировместимость до 25 человек. В фюзеляже AS 532U2 сделано два дополнительных окна, емкость внутренних топливных баков увеличена.
Eurocopter AS 532U2 Cougar (1999)
Оснащенный радаром вертолет AS 532UL HORIZON выполняет задачи, аналогичные тем, которые в ВВС США возложены на самолет Е-8 J-STARS. Антенна РЛС смонтирована в обтекателе под фюзеляжем.
Allied forces in the Gulf War were alerted to possible enemy ground attacks by French 6th Light Armoured Division Super Puma Mk 2s equipped with the demonstrator Orchidee airborne radar. As a result of the success of this battlefield surveillance and target designation radar, the French Army intends to deploy a version known as Horizon, in the latter half of the 1990s. Whilst not a SAR system, it typifies the great need for high resolution radar systems in a modern battlefield scenario.
AS 532 "Кугар" (военный вариант вертолета "Супер Пума")
The first RESCO AS 535 A2 Cougar Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter, seen here during predelivery test fiying as F-ZVMC, was formally handed-over to the Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) at Eurocopter’s Marignane facility on September 9, 1999.
Франция заказала AS 532A2 Cougar Mk II для использования в качестве боевого поисково-спасательного. Вертолет получил наименование Cougar RESCO (Recherche et Sauvetage en Combat). На фотографии - французский EC725.
Combat SAR equipped Cougar Mk II displaying 7.62 mm machine gun in doorway; 20 mm cannon pod and rocket launcher (nineteen 2.75 in rockets); telescopic air-to-air refuelling probe and chin FLIR (1998)
Iceland
Береговая охрана Исландии эксплуатирует два AS 332L2 Super Puma, которые базируются в Рейкьявике и привлекаются к поисково-спасательным операциям, перевозкам больных и патрулированию районов рыбного промысла.
Civil
Вертолеты Puma и Super Puma пользуются популярностью как у военных, так и у гражданских заказчиков. Данный AS 332L-1 Super Puma эксплуатируется авиакомпанией "Airlift" в малонаселенном регионе Норвегии.
Крупный заказ на вертолеты AS 332L/L2 Super Puma для обслуживания нефтяных месторождений на континентальном шельфе поступил от компании "Helikopter Service of Norway". Ее дочерняя фирма "Lufttransport" использовала вертолеты также на внутренних рейсах. В 1999 году фирму "Helikopter Service of Norway" поглотила компания "СНС Helicopter", которая продолжает эксплуатацию вертолетов Super Puma.
AS 332L2 способен выполнять полет в течение 2 часов при отказе основного электрогенератора.
CHC is the second biggest operator at Aberdeen flying over 117,000 people last year. One of the company's AS332L2s is pictured returning to Aberdeen with offshore workers while a bmi regional ERJ-145 holds for departure. Air traffic controllers at Aberdeen have the challenging task of co-ordinating the slower-moving helicopters with a large number of fixed-wing aircraft.
Эксплуатируемые на континентальном шельфе вертолеты Super Puma обычно комплектуются надувными баллонетами. Устройства серого цвета в носовой части и на спонсоне вертолета компании "СНС" как раз и являются баллонетами, используемыми при аварийной посадке на воду.
11 марта 1982г.: фирма "Bristow Helicopters" получила в Мариньяне первый из 12 заказанных вертолетов Aerospatiale AS 322L Super Pumas с удлиненным фюзеляжем.
BHL является крупнейшим гражданским эксплуатантом вертолетов Super Puma, получивших прозвище "Bristow Tiger". Большинство этих вертолетов используется в районе Восточных Шетландских островов.
Extensively used in the offshore support role, Eurocopter's AS 332L2 is the latest version of the Super Puma. The Bristow Helicopters' example illustrated is one of 24 operated by the company on oil rig support operations, mainly in the North Sea.
The Bristow Helicopters' Super Puma G-TIGM at Heathrow on 1/8/99 prior to being loaded on to a Cathay Pacific flight for Hong Kong. Its ultimate destination was with China Ocean Helicopters at Shenzen Heliport
Oil workers board a Bond Offshore Helicopters' AS332L2 en route for two weeks work on an installation in the North Sea. They are required to wear a survival suit and lifejacket on each flight.
A Bond Offshore Helicopters' AS332L2 makes its final approach to the Miller platform This company is the latest entrant to the North Sea market having started operations in 2004. It currently operates seven AS332L2s, though it also has two EC225LPs on order as well as three options.
In addition to crew change flights, Bond won a contract from BP to provide two provide AS332L2 for search and rescue. These helicopters are specially equipped for their role and to date have rescued 56 people One AS332L2 is kept at Sumburgh while the other is based offshore on the BP Miller platform.
A million people are transported to work on UK offshore
CHC Helicopters International AS332L Super Puma C-GOSE (c/n 2048) is seen here departing from Sky Harbour Airport, Goderich, Ontario, Canada, on November 20, 2006 after being repainted in CHC's new corporate colours by Sky Harbour Aircraft Refinishing Inc. As CHCs helicopters come up for major overhaul, they are progressively being painted in the company's new corporate colours. This particular helicopter is a recent acquisition by CHC, although it originated in Europe with Norwegian CHC subsidiary Helikopter Service as LN-OMD, before being exported to Cougar Helicopters in Canada in 1997 and registered as C-GTCH. More recently it was registered back to CHC on November 20, 2006, as C-GOSE. After departing from Goderich, it was flown to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to service offshore platforms in that area.
A striking capture of a Rajavartiolaitos Dornier Do 228 performing a low-level fly-by while an H215 lowers a rescue swimmer to an inflatable life raft.
The Airbus H215 is crewed by two pilots, a flight mechanic acting as hoist and systems operator, and two rescue swimmers.
Germany
First of three AS 532U2s for Luftwaffe's 3 Staffel/Flugbereitschaft at Berlin-Tegel (1998)
Turbomeca Makila turboshafts power the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar (1998)
The EC135 replaced the Bell 212 in the maritime patrol role. Here these types and an AS332L1 are pictured at Fuhlendorf.
The 1,000th Super Puma joins three H215s delivered to Germany's Bundespolizei in December 2018 and will operate alongside 19 earlier AS332 L1 helicopters.
A Bundespolizei (German Federal Police) Airbus Helicopters Super Puma D-HEGO (c/n 2050) taxiing at Den Helder Airport during Exercise Poseidon.
GERMANY'S BUNDESPOLIZEI (Federal Police) has taken delivery of three H215 Super Pumas, Airbus Helicopters announced on December 14, 2018. A fourth Super Puma will be delivered in early 2020 and all four will be used to support the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies for maritime missions off the German coast.
AS332L1 Super Puma D-HEGF was used to transport German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the G7 Summit in 2015.
The de-icing rotor blades on the AS332L1 allows the German Federal Police Air Support Group to operate even in extreme cold weather conditions. Here an AS332L1 flies with an EC135T2 over northern Germany.
The Super Puma has fast-roping equipment on both sides of the cabin to support GSG 9’s counter-terrorism operations.
RUAG will upgrade eight Schweizer Luftwaffe AS532UL helicopters at Emmen, with the work to be completed in 2022.
Switzerland
Три вертолета AS 332M1 Super Puma в 1986 году были поставлены ВВС Швейцарии, за ними в 1993 году последовало еще 12 машин более поздней постройки. На вооружении также состоят вертолеты AS 532UL Cougar.
Eurocopter AS332M1 Super Puma (designated TH89 by the Swiss military) T-313 (c/n 2226) was the last to be upgraded as a TH06.
Швейцария передала свои Cougar Силам по поддержанию мира в Косово (KFOR), действующим в этой стране под контролем ООН.
The event was opened on both days by a Eurocopter AS.532UL Cougar, which ejected 128 flares using its RUAG Aerospace ISSYS self-protection system.
Spain
US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Assault), 449th Combat Aviation Brigade on board LHD Juan Carlos I (L61), in the Persian Gulf on May 23, 2018. Their mission was to escort the Spanish Cougar helicopters assigned to Task Force Toro, to Camp Buehring, Kuwait as a preliminary location before flying to Camp Taji, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Eurocopter AS532UL Cougar Mk I HU27-04/'ET-671' destined for the UME is seen at Albacete on November 16, 2012.
The Ejercito del Aire's 402 Escuadron based at Cuatro Vientos Air Base near Madrid is about to receive its first AS332M1 Super Puma from overhaul at Airbus Helicopters, Albacete facility with some paint changes. The helicopter registered HT.21A-3/402-22 has new titles applied; 'Reino de Espana' (Spanish Kingdom) on the forward upper fuselage, 'Ejercito del Aire' (Air Force) on the boom, and the EU flag on the tail. Title changes had been implemented on the VIP aircraft operated by 45 Grupo based at Torrejon Air Base some time ago. Helicopters assigned to 402 Escuadron are used to transport members of the Spanish royal family and government ministers around the country. Seen at Airbus Helicopters' Albacete facility on May 11, 2018, AS332M1 Super Puma HT.21A-3/402-22 resplendent after its overhaul and repainting before its test flights. This is the first 402 Escuadron helicopter to incorporate the new titles.
The first Airbus Helicopters EC225 for the Spanish SASEMAR (Sociedad Estatal de Salvamento Maritimo) arrived at the manufacturer's facility at Albacete on June 11, 2014 after a 3.5 hours flight from the company's site at Marignane, France. The contract for the helicopter (EC-004, c/n 2892) was signed on September 5, 2011. It is part of SASEMAR's plan to gradually replace Sikorsky S-61Ns operating in the northeast of the country and from the Canary Islands on all-weather rescue and surveillance missions. It will be repainted in the white and red colours of SASEMAR prior to delivery.
Seen here at its home base Betera on June 2, 2018 is AS532AL HU.27-01/ET-668 (c/n 2733), the first of four Cougars ordered in 2006 by the Spanish MoD to equip the battalion.
Netherlands
Noted on February 4, 2013 at Den Holder Airport in the Netherlands was Eurocopter AS332L2 PH-NHR (c/n 2572, ex G-CHLF), the first of the type for Belgian company Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen. It arrived at Den Helder on December 6, 2012, and NHV began operations with it and EC155B1 OO-NHP (c/n 6762, ex G-ISSU), supporting the offshore industry, on January 1. The company is due to receive a second Super Puma (PH-NHS, c/n 2599, ex G-CHLJ) for operation from Den Helder and has ten Eurocopter EC 175s on order, which will be delivered between 2013 and 2015.
Latest helicopter to join the KLu is the AS 532 U2 Cougar Mk II. S-400, one of the first examples to be delivered to 300 Squadron at Soesterberg, is seen here undergoing post-flight maintenance on May 31, 1996, the day the KLu’s Tactische Helikopter Groep (THG) officially took on charge both the AS 532 U2 and CH-47D in a formal ceremony at Soesterberg. The camouflage scheme seen here will also be applied to the Chinooks at a later date.
Camouflaged in a disruptive scheme to assist its concealment during tactical operations, the RNethAF’s Eurocopter AS532 Cougar is included in the new book on Dutch colours reviewed below.
It was announced last December that 300 Squadron is saved from the axe after all and the Cougar will stay in service until 2030.
AS532U2s Cougar Mk2s from 300 Squadron were on standby to support ground forces.
Sitting in a hovering Cougar, a member of the Army's Special Forces unit aims his Accuracy International AWSM sniper rifle during a personnel recovery mission at a camp site near Oldehove.
Adding to the surprise effect by flying at 'tree top level' over the flat landscape of the northern part of the Netherlands, a Cougar and Chinook arrive on the scene for a hostage release operation as part of HWIC Recovery.
Tactical operations practiced in HWIC included fast-roping from Cougars, as shown by S-445 in the new grey colour.
AS532U2 Cougar Mk2 S-453, seen on stand-by at Leeuwarden in January 2015, is one of two from 300 Squadron that took over the patient airlift role on January 1, 2015.
The loadmaster/gunner of a Cougar keeps a watchful eye over his gun as soldiers approach the helicopter with 'wounded' colleagues on stretchers for a casualty evacuation flight in exercise HWIC Recovery.
Sweden
This Forsvarsmaktens Helikopterflottilj (Swedish Defence Helicopter Wing) HKP-10 (AS 332M1 Super Puma), 97, is on the strength of 1 Helikopterbataljon (Helicopter Battalion), based at Lulea in northern Sweden. It is one of 12 of the type strategically distributed at various air bases around the country to provide search and rescue, and was photographed in June 2002 during a SAR demonstration.
Bulgaria
Eurocopter AS532AL Cougar tactical transport helicopter 701 (ex F-ZKBL) was officially handed over to the Bulgarian Air Force in a ceremony at the 24th Air Force Base at Krumovo, Bulgaria, on August 28, 2006, following completion of its delivery flight from France. The helicopter, seen here at Marignane on August 21 prior to delivery, is the first of 12 Cougars, comprising eight in tactical transport configuration and four outfitted for the combat search and rescue role, that were ordered in January 2005, with all 12 due to enter service by 2009. The deal also included six AS565MB Panther helicopters for the Bulgarian Navy, the first of which is due for delivery in 2010 and the last in 2011.
Greece
The Hellenic Fire Service Aviation Unit is located in Athens, Greece. With a mixed fleet of three MBB MK-117C.1s and two AS-332L.1 Super Pumas, it can conduct a wide range of tasks that go far beyond simply fighting wildfires
In the period outside the fire-season there is time to perform maintenance and conduct training with the helicopters, often focusing on hoist operations. Here, rescue workers from the 1st EMAK based at Elefsina can be seen being hoisted on to an AS.332L.1 of the Hellenic Fire Service Aviation Unit
In 2005, AS-332L.1 Super Puma (SX-HFF) was donated by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. It is on fire alert during the season, mainly at Athens Airport and equipped with a Bambi Bucket
Georgia
Два вертолета «Супер Пума», приобретенные Грузией
Turkey
AS.532
Eurocopter AS 532UL Cougar of the Turkish Army (1998)
UH-1H, AH-1P and S-70A helicopters at Akinci MJB. After it became apparent that the plot was going to fail, rebel helicopters gathered at the base, which was the command centre of the coup.
Singapore
В составе ВВС Сингапура есть две эскадрильи вертолетов AS 332M Super Puma/AS 532UL Cougar, закупленных в конце 1980-х - начале 1990-х годов. Вертолеты используются, прежде всего, как транспортные.
One of the AS 332M Super Pumas of No 125 (Starling) Sqn which operates this helicopter from Sembawang;
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is replacing its Aerospatiale AS332M/AS332M1 Super Puma Helicopters with the Airbus Helicopters H225M. The first H225Ms were delivered to Singapore in March 2021
Indonesia
Seen on at test flight from the Airbus Helicopters plant in Albacete, Spain, on January 19, 2016 is Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (Indonesian National Defence - Air Force) AS332L2 Super Puma H-3204 (c/n 2565). The aircraft was nearly ready for delivery after a major overhaul; the helicopter arrived in Spain within a container on November 11, 2014.
IPTN NAS-332L1 Super Puma of the Indonesian Air Force (1998)
Jordan
One of the seldom-illustrated AS 332 Super Pumas at King Abdullah AB, flown by No 7 Squadron.
Saudi Arabia
Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) AS 332 Super Puma 716/F-ZKCB is seen on May 31, 2007 on the first day of a two-day visit to Belgium to undertake rocket firing trials on the Pampa Range. On June 1 the helicopter returned to the Eurocopter factory at Marignane, France, where the manufacturer is nearing completion of a two-year programme to undertake major inspections on all 20 RSNF Super Pumas, at the same time carrying out retrofit and upgrade of the navigation/communication equipment and weapons systems. Eighteen of the helicopters have now been completed at Marignane, whilst work on the remaining two will be undertaken in Saudi Arabia.
CEV personnel carry out acceptance testing for overseas customers which have contracts with French companies. In 2006, this testing included upgraded Mirage 5SDEs for Egypt and Royal Saudi Naval Forces AS.532 Cougars.
USA
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department provides helicopter search and rescue using three AS332 L1 Super Pumas.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau helicopters cover a large territory, from urban areas to the coastline, up to the highest elevations of the Angeles National Forest and to desert communities.
Two of the Aero Bureau's 18 helicopters, which is the largest fleet operated by any Sheriff's Department in the United States.
Two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines power the Super Pumas, each offering 1,877shp (1,376kW) power.
Inside the Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau hangar at Long Beach Airport.
The Super Puma Block I upgrade included the installation of the fully-digital, four-axis gyro-stabilised Axsys V9 Thermal Imager and Camera System.
EC225/EC725 France
The EC725 Caracal is equipped with a five-blade rotor, a MAG-58 machine gun and an aerial refuelling probe. To improve its auto­protection and assault capabilities, in the near term the Caracal will be equipped with additional heavy weapons.
The Caracal's autopilot has an automatic hover mode and the flight engineer can take control of the aircraft above a landing area.
Airbus Helicopters and Heli-Union have signed a long-term support agreement with the French armed forces.
Caracals will receive new armament systems in the upcoming months.
An EC725 in the marking of the Centre d'Experiences Aeriennes Militaires, the French Air Force Operational Evaluation Centre. This aircraft transferred to EH1/67 in 2006. Note the Thales Chlio ST FLIR turret mounted under the nose. The Chlio is used on a wide variety of French helicopters, including the Fennec and the Puma.
Caracal: совершенная поисково-спасательная система
Caracals of the secretive DAOS work mainly with French special units and are rarely photographed. Although the helicopters are stationed in Pau, southwest France, they routinely operate within Africa.
Pictured is a French Army EC725 hovering near Istres while carrying out engine tests. The CEV flies three acceptance sorties, in addition to the 17 hours of flight testing carried out by the manufacturer, Eurocopter.
The additional H225M will be delivered in a configuration compatible with the Armee de I'Air's existing Caracal fleet.
EC725 Caracal helicopters assigned to the 4e Regiment d'Helicopteres des Forces Speciales will be transferred to EH 1/67 once the Aviation Legere de I'Armee de Terre receives six NH90s configured for special operations.
Like all other Armee de I'Air aircraft, the EC725 Caracal was thoroughly tested by CEAM experts.
The Polish Government has pre-selected the H225M Caracal as its future tactical helicopter.
This Air Force Caracal was photographed in the Pyrenees in late June 2008. The unit markings of EH 1/67 'Pyrenees' are clearly visible on the main door.
Один из двух EC225 из состава Flotille 32F ВМС Франции. EC225 - промежуточный вариант, предназначенный для замены Aerospatiale Super Frelon в качестве дальнего поисково-спасательного вертолета. Этот EC225 базируется в западной части Франции.
An Armee de I’Air EC725 Caracal from Escadron d’Helicopteres 1/67 ‘Pyrenees’.
The Tigre HAP and the EC725 Caracal are the most modern types in service with the 4e RHFS.
While the MC-130J crew sets up for another series of plugs, the Caracals keep their distance. Note the Dune de Pila, the biggest sand dune in Europe, in the background.
Helicopters only move into the pre-plug position after the MC-130J crew has tested the two hoses to ensure they have extended correctly and are functioning properly.
Armee de l'Air Caracal pilots regularly qualify in aerial refuelling with US Air Force Special Operations Command.
The lead Caracal helicopter moves into position while a second Caracal waits for clearance from the MC-130J crew to move to the other side to commence a series of six aerial refuelling plugs.
This picture clearly shows the difference in height between the lead Caracal plugged into the basket and the second aircraft.
An A400M test aircraft, EC-404, in formation with Airbus H225M F-ZWCS over southern France. The trials proved the suitability of the A400M to refuel helicopters in flight from the wing-mounted pods, a procedure that had previously been problematical because of turbulence.
Special forces commandos at the door of this 4e RHFS Caracal, flying at very low level.
The annual Combined Joint Personnel Recovery Standardisation Course trains participating nations in conducting multinational personnel recovery missions.
Introduced in 2006, the Caracal can carry 11 tonnes and offers a 250 nautical mile range.
A Caracal from EH 1/67 ‘Pyrenees’ banks above the water near BA120 Cazaux during an exercise with Armee de I’Air divers. Since April 2017, the Caracal is responsible for the SAR alert at Cazaux.
Due to budget cuts, the Armee de I'Air will have to wait longer before it can order a new H225M Caracal to replace one written off during recent operations.
The ceremony held at BA 120 Cazaux on March 10, 2017 also meant the end of joint (SA330 and EC725) combat search and rescue missions for EH 1/67. From now on the squadron only operates the Caracal.
A flight engineer lowers an airborne tactical extraction platform, which is immediately readied by the Special Forces team on the ground. The troops can get on to the platform and hook-up within a few seconds, after which the helicopter crew can immediately take off.
The airborne tactical extraction platform is an alternative to ropes used for Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction (SPIE). Troops are above one another when using the SPIE, but are all at the same level on the extraction platform, which allows for a quicker ingress and egress.
EC 725 "Каракал"
A pair of NH90 NFHs (???) aboard HNLMS 'Rotterdam', south of Hyeres
Потребность ВВС Франции в новом боевом поисково-спасательном вертолете привела к появлению EC725. Вариант R2 Caracal состоит на вооружении эскадрильи 1/67 Pyrenees, дислоцированной в Южной Франции. С 2006 года эти вертолеты используются в Афганистане.
10 февраля 2005г.: первый серийный вертолет EC725 Cougar Mk II+, предназначенный для проведения так называемых боевых поисково-спасательных операций (эвакуация раненых, сбитых летчиков и пр.), был передан ВВС Франции. Вертолет пришел на смену Puma, первым его получила 1-я вертолетная эскадрилья 67-й эскадры "Pyrenees" (авиабаза Казо). Вертолет позже получил название Caracal.
Caracals from EH 1/67 typically fly personnel recovery missions, equipped with a refuelling boom and a MAG58 machine gun on each side.
Standard armament is the MAG 58 7.62mm machine-gun for Caracals. The one shown lacks the holographic sight now adopted for improved accuracy.
The third and final sortie of the daily exercise schedule took place after dark, for which the Caracal crews fly the entire sortie with night-vision goggles.
A French Air Force EC725 Caracal loaded onto an Atlas at BA120 Cazaux. The ability to quickly airlift special forces helicopters to hot spots is a welcome capability.
Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) Eurocopter EC725 Caracal 2552 'SE' from Escadron d'Helicopteres 1/67 'Pyrenees' at Cazaux is unloaded from a Volga-Dnepr Airlines An-124-100 at Mont-de-Marsan on September 11, 2007 after return from Kabul, Afghanistan. The helicopter is one of two EC725s that had been deployed to Kabul for the last nine months to support the International Security Assistance Force. During their stay they undertook 221 tactical transport missions, totalling some 680 flying hours, without any serious incidents.
С установкой специальных систем EC225 получил способность менять конфигурацию для выполнения самых разных задач. На вертолете можно смонтировать лебедку, громкоговорители, систему наблюдения и другую аппаратуру.
Civil
AS.332
Bristow Helicopters has been a long-term user of the Super Puma (or Tiger as the company calls them, and is continuing this tradition with the introduction of the latest variant - the EC225LP. The latter helicopter is faster and can carry 19 passengers much further than the earlier models.
One of the larger aircraft types expected to be offered for SAR(H) is the Eurocopter EC225 seen here configured for oil rig support.
In a ceremony at Heli-Expo in Houston, Texas, on February 26, 2008, Eurocopter marked formal delivery of the first EC225 in the US to Era Helicopters. This followed granting of US Federal Aviation Authority type certification for the EC225 on January 30. Era will take delivery of three more EC225s this year, two in 2009 and a further two in 2010.
EC225 - это Super Puma нового поколения. Первый полет состоялся в 2000 году. EC225 очень похож на AS332L2, но летчикам приходится переучиваться на новый тип.
Главным внешним отличием EC225 является пятилопастный несущий винт, в то же время на Super Puma использован четырехлопастный. EC225 востребован как "паром" между берегом и буровыми на континентальном шельфе.
One of the new H225 Super Puma helicopters leased by the Icelandic Coast Guard for SAR operations.
Airbus Helicopters’ civil helicopters range
Securite Civile EC725 F-ZWTV seen during flight-testing on June 28, 2007 near Marseille, from where the helicopter was delivered on July 2 to Corsica for fire-fighting trials.
Japan
The third Japan Coast Guard EC225LP, JA691A/MH691, during its formal hand-over ceremony on January 16, 2015.
Super Puma JA6686 hovers astern the deck of the Patrol Vessel Large (PL) Erimo, one of 28 JCG ships capable of supporting helicopter operations. Primarily used for search-and-rescue missions, JCG Super Pumas helped to save the lives of 94 people in 2006.
Italy
An Italian Air Force KC-130J conducts air refueling with two French Air Force EC725 Caracal helicopters.
Denmark
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS has concluded a deal with Air Greenland to deliver two H225 Super Puma helicopters to support the latter company's bid for Greenland's SAR helicopter contract.
Hungary
Hungary’s order for H225Ms forms part of the Hungarian government's 'Zrinyi 2026’ armed forces modernisation programme.
Ukraine
One of the 21 H225Ms ordered by the Ukraine government, '53' blue (M-ABKB, c/n 2744) is seen here after a ground engine test run at Albacete on December 18, 2018. It will be operated by the Ukraine State Rescue Service after having been converted from the EC225LP to H225M standard. The helicopter was previously in service with CHC Norway as LN-OJD.
Новейшее приобретение Нацгвардии Украины вертолет H 225LP «Супер Пума»
Uzbekistan
Совместный полет узбекских C295, H-225 и AS350
China
Eurocopter displayed this EC 225 at the Show, it being one of two destined for delivery later this year to the Chinese Ministry of Communications for operation on search and rescue duties by the Rescue and Salvage Bureau.
Eurocopter EC 225 B-7126 (ex F-WWOY) was one of two handed-over on December 18, 2007 in Zhuhai to the Chinese Ministry of Communications for search and rescue operations with the China Rescue and Salvage Bureau.
Singapore
One of the first Republic of Singapore Air Force H225Ms, serial number 202, during a pre-delivery flight test near the factory at Marseille-Marignane
Thailand
Airbus Helicopters announced on September 20, 2018, that it has secured an order from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for four additional H225M Caracal helicopters.
Indonesia
PTDI (Persaero) will complete assembly and customisation of eight Airbus Helicopters H225M Super Pumas and nine Bell 412EPI helicopters for the Indonesian military.
Malaysia
H225Ms M55-01 and M55-02 were the first two of 12 such helicopters built by Airbus Helicopters at Marignane, France for the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia.
The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) operates 12 EC725AP Caracals in the Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) role. Although Airbus Helicopters had hoped to sell further examples to the TUDM, to replace the Nuri fleet, an order has not materialised to date
Oman
Airbus Helicopters EC225LP A4O-HD (c/n 2648, ex F-WWOC) of the Oman Royal Flight (ORF) made a rare appearance in the Netherlands on August 28, 2014. It made a fuel stop at Groningen Airport Eelde while en route to Stavanger-Sola airport in Norway where, it is understood, the helicopter will undergo maintenance at the Heli-One facility. The helicopter is the oldest of six EC225LPs delivered to the ORF between 2007 and 2009.
Kuwait
A Kuwait Air Force Airbus Helicopters H225M on display at the Dubai Airshow 2021
USA
Air Center Helicopters Inc (ACHI) has signed HCare Smart contracts for ten H225s.
Mexico
Мексика стала очередным крупным заказчиком EC725. ВВС Мексики поставлены 12 вертолетов (на снимке). ВМС Мексики заказали девять EC725 для использования в качестве поисково-спасательных, санитарных и транспортных вертолетов.
Brazil
The first three EC725 Cougars were handed over to the Brazilian Government recently in the presence of Eurocopter President, Lutz Bertling. Known as the UH-15 by the Brazilian armed forces, the first example (N-7101, seen here) has been transported to the Helibras facilities in Itajuba, Minas Gerais state, for delivery to the Brazilian Navy by the end of the year.
ВС Бразилии являются крупнейшим покупателем EC725. Сборка вертолетов налажена на "Helibras". Намечено собрать более 50 вертолетов для Армии Бразилии, ВМС (на фото) и ВВС. Вертолет на снимке представлен в предпоставочной окраске.
The first Aviacao Naval Brasileira H225M H-4101 toting an MBDA Exocet AM39 B2M2
ВС Бразилии являются крупнейшим покупателем EC725. Сборка вертолетов налажена на "Helibras". Намечено собрать более 50 вертолетов для Армии Бразилии (на фото), ВМС и ВВС. Вертолет на снимке представлен в предпоставочной окраске.
Eurocopter EC725BR EB-5001 (seen with the test registration F-ZWBR) was one of three assembled by Eurocopter at Marignanne in southern France handed over to Helibras for delivery to Brazil on December 20, 2010. Helibras will outfit the helicopters with their mission equipment, and from 2012 assemble 44 of the 50 on order at Itajuba, Minas Gerais. The final example will be delivered in 2016, by when Brazilian content will have risen to 50%. A total of 16 will be delivered to the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB, Brazilian Air Force) as H-36s, while another two ordered for the Presidency will be operated by the FAB as VH-36s. Another 16 will serve as UH-15 and UH-15As with the Commando da Forca Aeronaval (Naval Aviation Command), the first being N-7101 (ex F-ZWBS), while 16 (including EB-5001) are destined for the Comando de Aviacao do Exercito's (Brazilian Army Aviation Command).
Latin American first: the H-36 on display at LAAD.