EC 725 : The Latest Version in the Cougar/Super Puma Family
Farnborough, 22 July 2000
The EC 725 is the latest member of the Cougar family. This aircraft has benefited both from the experience of its predecessors and from considerable technical improvements. The EC 725 was designed to perform tactical transport missions, SAR, Combat SAR, and also medical transport, logistical services and VIP's Transport. It can also be used for naval missions.
The French Air Force will be one of the aircraft's noteworthy operators, as well as the product's launch customer. Fourteen aircraft are on order for them. These helicopters will be used for Combat SAR missions in the French armed forces. The first three will be delivered in 2003. The Mk2 version that was already delivered will be brought up to the EC 725 standard.
By 2004, a fleet of four qualified aircraft will thus be in service for the French Air Force to meet their scheduled operational needs.
The EC 725 made its maiden flight in November 2000. It is a medium-class twin-engine helicopter (in the 11 metric ton class), whose performance capabilities have been noticeably increased. Its military qualification for Combat SAR missions is expected in 2003.
The military payload of this new version will be substantially increased in comparison with the Cougar MK1 version.
Notable new features of the EC 725 include an entirely new main rotor head, a reinforced main gearbox, new engines, and a new integrated piloting and display system. Eurocopter selected the Cougar Mk2 fuselage structure for the EC 725 because of its tremendous operational qualities already proven in service and its large selection of available options and equipment.
New Five-bladed Main Rotor
The EC 725 will continue to use the proven capabilities of the Spheriflex technology for the main and tail rotor heads. This technology also cuts costs for operations and maintenance. With five blades, the main rotor benefits from the most recent advances in airfoil section development and aerodynamic performance. Their design is based on a spar made from composite materials. The blades also make use of multiple box-structures in their construction. With five blades, the aircraft has an especially low vibration level.
The main rotor diameter is 16.2 meters. The rotors and the horizontal stabilizer can be equipped with a deicing/anti-icing system that make it possible to fly in extremely severe icing conditions.
New Main Gearbox
The main gear box of the EC 725 has been reinforced in order to account for the aircraft's increased turbine power and gross weight. The drive chain of the Mk2 has been kept, and the spiral bevel gears feature deep nitriding technology and the latest optimization of tooth profiles. The lubrication circuit includes a back-up spraying system that makes it possible to operate without oil for 30 minutes.
New Engine
The EC 725 is equipped with 2 Makila 2A turbo engine units. This new engine, developed by the company Turbomeca, includes a new-generation compressor and can operate at a higher temperature than its predecessor, the Makila 1A2. It is thus capable of generating 1,800 kW (2 448 ch, 2 413 shp) of contingency power, an increase of 14% over the previous version. The dual-channel FADEC system and the "blade shedding" architecture of the free turbine provide modern, reliable, and safe operating capacities. Each engine is a self-contained assembly with all the necessary systems, equipment, and accessories for its operations. The fact that the engines are modular makes maintenance and inspection much easier.
New Integrated Display System
The EC 725 is equipped with new avionics, the result of Eurocopter's extensive experience in pilot-helicopter interface technology and the development of ergonomic features.
The Flight Display System makes use of LCD with four multi-function screens (6" x 8") and two additional screens (4" x 5") for the helicopter parameters. These screens provide the operator with a simultaneous display for piloting, navigation, and mission parameters. Their modular design means that many different configurations are possible. Computers integrate all flight, navigation, and tactical parameters. With this integrated system, the pilot and copilot can concentrate on external mission features instead of on the aircraft functioning, which means their mission has a much higher probability of success.
The military version will offer the possibility of airborne refueling, which will increase the helicopter's flight range. Conclusive tests have already led to the validation of the system on the Cougar MK 2.
It should be noted that 575 helicopters in the Super Puma / Cougar - EC 225 / EC 725 family have already been ordered. The 535 aircraft that have been delivered have logged 2,301,000 flight hours for nearly 100 customers in approximately 50 countries.
| Mk1 | EC 725 | |
|
Maximum takeoff weight, internal |
9,000 kg / 19,840 lb. |
11,000 kg / 24,250 lb. |
| Maximum takeoff weight, external |
9,350 kg / 20,615 lb. |
11,200 kg / 24,700 lb |
| Payload, internal |
4,500 kg / 9,920 lb. |
5,670 kg / 12,500 lb. |
| Power at takeoff, per engine | 1,357 kW / 1,845 ch1 819 shp | 1,566 kW / 2,130 ch2 099 shp |
| Max. MGB power, 2 engines operating | 2,235 kW / 3,040 ch 2 996 shp | 2,600 kW / 3,536 ch3 485 shp |
| Maximum range, with max. weight at takeoff | 636 nautical miles | 783 nautical miles |
|
Fast cruise speed (9000 kg / 19 840 lb) | 138 knots | 160 knots |
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services.
For further information, please contact:
Jean-Louis ESPES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 55
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France -
Christina GOTZHEIN
Tel: +49(0) 89 60 00 64 88
Fax: +49(0) 89 60 00 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
Chantal LINARES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France
Christoph MÜLLER
Tel: +49(0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49(0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web Site: www.eurocopter.com
Börsenkurse
| ||||
 |
