Comparing the Advancements and Capabilities of the Caracal Multifunctional Helicopter with the Eurocopter EC725

The EC-725 Caracal helicopter, with an estimated cost of $20 million each, is an Airbus long-range tactical transport helicopter. As the newest member of the Cougar family, the 11-ton helicopter has proven reliability and durability in combat conditions. The modern combat environment demands the versatility and flexibility of military assets. In the late 1990s, a specialized helicopter project for Search and Rescue operations was developed to meet the requirements of the French Air Force.

With experience gained from the Cougar family, Eurocopter developed a new helicopter based on the AS-532 Cougar, later designated EC725. The new helicopter will replace the outdated AS 532 Cougar of the French Air Force. In addition to its original purpose to carry out the military transport, Combat Search and Rescue, and support operations, the EC725 is also available for combat missions.

The EC-725 has seen combat service in the hottest locations worldwide, including Lebanon, Afghanistan, Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, Somalia, and Mali, while supporting activities related to NATO leadership in Libya. EC725 made its first flight on November 27, 2000, and the first helicopter was delivered to the French Air Force in February 2005. In 2015, EC725 was renamed H225M to align with the new brand of Airbus Helicopters.

Design

Essentially, EC725 is the further development of Eurocopter AS532 Cougar, improving upon the design with a five-blade composite main rotor incorporating a high-impact resistant main rotor gearbox to reduce vibrations levels. The helicopter can be fitted with removable armor 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 system.

Thanks to the anti-ice system, EC725 can operate in very cold climates. It can be used for land and sea transport missions, as well as other special missions. Other improvements include a reinforced main rotor gearbox and an all-glass cockpit. The cockpit is designed for two-person crew, protected by bulletproof glass. The pilots are supported by an integrated display system featuring a digital map and Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays.

Behind the cockpit is the passenger compartment, which takes up most of the fuselage. Above the passenger cabin are the engines, driving the main rotor through a four-bladed rotor transmission system. Overall dimensions of the EC-725 include the length of 19.5m (63.97 ft) and a height of 4.6m (15 ft).

The landing system consists of two main single-wheeled legs and a double-tire nose leg. An in-flight refueling probe can be mounted on the starboard side of the aircraft to refuel on the go. Many different kits are available for customers to equip EC 725 for their required roles.

Powerplant

Airbus has equipped EC-725 with two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, with a capacity of 2,382 horsepower each. The helicopter can reach a maximum speed of 324 km/h, a cruise speed of 285 km/h, a range of 920 km, a service ceiling of 6,000m, and a rate of climb up to 7.4 meters per second.

Armament

The helicopter has day and night search and rescue capabilities by way of a search radar and Forward Looking Infrared Radar; these allow the EC725 to be flown low under visual meteorological conditions. Depending on the requirements of the customer, EC725 can be customized with many different equipment and weapons, such as a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted within forward left and right windows, or a pair of 68 mm side-mounted rocket launchers, each with 19 rockets, or the MU90 Impact aerial-launched torpedo.

Thanks to its flexible modular structure, the EC725 can be equipped with a Helibras-built countermeasures suite, which includes chaff and flare to confuse radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles respectively. According to the announcement, Singapore has ordered 12 H225Ms, while Malaysia is set to receive a fleet of 12 helicopters.

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