Eurocopter AS 532
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| AS 532 Cougar | |
|---|---|
 EC 725 Cougar RESCO |
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| Type | Medium Utility Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Eurocopter |
| Maiden flight | September 1977 |
| Developed from | Eurocopter Super Puma |
| Variants | Eurocopter EC 725 |
The Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar is a twin-engined, medium-weight, multipurpose helicopter. The AS 532 is a further development and upgrade of the Aérospatiale Puma in its militarized form. (Its civilian counterpart is the Eurocopter Super Puma.) The AS 532 has been further developed as the Eurocopter EC 725.
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[edit] Development
The AS 332 Super Puma, designed as a growth version to replace the SA 330 Puma, first flew in September 1977. It was fitted with two 1330kW Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, composite rotor blades, improved landing gear and a modified tailfin.
In 1990 all military Super Puma designations were changed from AS 332 to AS 532 Cougar to distinguish between the civil and military variants of the helicopter.
Canada had considered purchasing the Cougar to replace their CH-113 Labrador, but opted in the end to purchase the CH-149 Cormorant.
[edit] Variants
The current variants of the Cougar are:
[edit] AS 532 UL/AL
The AS 532 UL/AL is the long version of the Cougar family and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines. It carries a crew of 2 and up to 25 troops or 6 injured passengers on stretchers plus 10 others. As with the other versions of the Cougar, the AS 532 UL/AL can lift 4.5 tons by means of a sling.
The Horizon battlefield ground surveillance system can be installed on the AS 532 UL (utility version).
The AS 532 AL (armed version) can also be fitted with a variety of weapons, including pod-mounted 20 mm cannons, 68 mm rocket-launchers and side-mounted machine-guns.
[edit] AS 532 SC
The AS 532SC is the naval version of the Cougar family and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines.
This version is mainly used for the following tasks:
- Anti-surface unit warfare (ASUW), fitted with AM 39 Exocet missiles.
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), fitted with a variable-depth sonar and torpedoes.
- Search and rescue.
- Sea patrols.
For deck landing, this variant can be fitted with a harpoon for quick securing.
[edit] AS 535
French Army Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR or RESCO in French) version.
[edit] EC 725
The EC 725 is a long-range helicopter, powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engines, that accommodates 2 crew members up to 29 troops.
Improvements of the EC 725 in comparison to earlier models include modular design of the mechanical assemblies, use of composite materials, state of the art avionics, and a Vehicle Monitoring System.
[edit] Military operators
- 6 AS 532 AL in service with the Bulgarian Air Force and 6 on order as of October 2007, and expected to be delivered between 2006 and 2009. Eight machines will be used for Tactical Transport duties and the other four will be used for combat search & rescue missions.[1]
Cambodia
Chile
China
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ecuador
France
Gabon
Germany
Greece
Indonesia
Japan
Jordan
Kuwait
Morocco
Malaysia
Mexico
Nepal
Netherlands
Nigeria
Oman
Panama
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore- Republic of Singapore Air Force
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Togo
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Venezuela
[edit] Specifications (AS 532 UB)
Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 20 troops
- Length: 15.53 m (50 ft 11½ in)
- Rotor diameter: 15.6 m (51 ft 2 in)
- Height: 4.92 m (16 ft 2 in)
- Disc area: 206 m² (2,217ft²)
- Empty weight: 4,350 kg (9,590 lb)
- Useful load: 4,650 kg (10,250 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 9,000 kg (19,840 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft, 1,185 kW (1,589 shp) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 278 km/h (150 knots, 173 mph)
- Maximum speed: 249 km/h (134 knots, 154 mph)
- Cruise speed: 239 km/h (129 knots, 148 mph)
- Range: 573 km (310 nm, 357 mi)
- Service ceiling 3,450 m (11,319 ft)
- Rate of climb: 7.2 m/s (1,417 ft/min)
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
- List of helicopters
- List of utility aircraft
[edit] References
- ^ Eurocopter Press Release - Eurocopter Delivers 1st Cougar Helicopter To Bulgaria
- ^ Taylor, M J H (editor) (1999). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition. Brassey's. ISBN 1 85753 245 7.
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