Eurocopter EC725

Eurocopter EC725
Country	Multinational
Role	Tactical transport helicopter/armed helicopter
First flight	27 November 2000
Built	350

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma.

Source: Eurocopter EC725 on Wikipedia

EC725 Caracal Walk Around
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Localisation	Unknow
Photos	118

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The Modern Special Ops Workhorse

The 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)
Role	Tactical Transport / CSAR / Special Operations
Crew	1 or 2 Pilots + 1 Chief of Stick
Capacity	Up to 28 seated troops or 5,670 kg external load
Powerplant	2 x Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts
Horsepower	2,382 shp (1,776 kW) per engine
Maximum Speed	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

Armament: 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. [Image showing the EC725 door gunner position with 7.62mm machine gun]
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.