
Eurocopter EC725 | |
|---|---|
| Paese | Multinazionale |
| Ruolo | Elicottero da trasporto tattico/elicottero armato |
| Primo volo | 27 novembre 2000 |
| Costruito | 350 |
Le Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, ora chiamato Airbus Helicopters H225M, è un elicottero militare da trasporto tattico a lungo raggio sviluppato dall'Eurocopter AS532 Cougar per uso militare. Si tratta di un aereo bimotore e può trasportare fino a 28 truppe sedute insieme a due membri dell'equipaggio, a seconda della configurazione del cliente. L'elicottero è commercializzato per il trasporto di truppe, l'evacuazione di vittime e compiti di ricerca e soccorso in combattimento, ed è simile al civile EC225 Super Puma.
| EC725 Caracal Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografi | Inconsapevole |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 118 |
Vedi anche:
The Modern Special Ops Workhorse
Le EC725 Caracal (now designated as the Airbus H225M) is a long-range, tactical transport helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar. It was specifically designed to meet the French Air Force’s requirement for a specialized Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Special Operations aircraft. With a five-blade main rotor and reinforced airframe, it can survive in high-intensity combat zones while carrying a full squad of commandos or heavy loads of equipment in extreme “hot and high” conditions.
| Attribute | Standard Specification (EC725 / H225M) |
|---|---|
| Ruolo | Tactical Transport / CSAR / Special Operations |
| Equipaggio | 1 or 2 Pilots + 1 Chief of Stick |
| Capacità | Up to 28 seated troops or 5,670 kg external load |
| Motopropulsore | 2 x Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts |
| Horsepower | 2,382 shp (1,776 kW) per engine |
| Velocità massima | 324 km/h (175 knots / 201 mph) |
| Service Ceiling | 6,095 meters (20,000 ft) |
| Ferry Range | 1,325 km (715 nmi) — Unlimited with In-Flight Refueling |
Design Features and Survivability
- Five-Blade Spheriflex Rotor: The advanced five-blade main rotor system significantly reduces vibration levels, providing a more stable firing platform for door gunners and a more comfortable ride for troops.
- In-Flight Refueling: One of the Caracal’s most distinct features is the long, removable refueling probe extending from the nose, allowing it to stay airborne as long as the crew’s endurance permits.
- Glass Cockpit: The avionics suite includes a four-axis dual-duplex Digital Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and large multi-function displays, allowing for flight in zero-visibility conditions (IFR).
- Self-Protection: To survive in contested airspace, it is fitted with a radar warning receiver (RWR), laser warning receiver (LWR), missile approach warning system (MAWS), and chaff/flare dispensers.
Mission Equipment and Versatility
- Armamento: It can be equipped with two 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns in the forward windows or 20mm cannons, and even 68mm rocket pods on external hardpoints.
- MEDEVAC Capability: In a medical evacuation role, the large cabin can accommodate up to 11 stretchers and a medical team.
- Global Adoption: Beyond the French Special Forces (GIGN and Commandos), the Caracal is operated by Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico, often chosen for its ability to operate from ship decks as easily as from jungle clearings.
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