Take-Off

Galloping in the skies

Huma Siddiqui

Peep inside the cockpit of the EC 725, the latest member of the Cougar family of helicopters from Eurocopter, and the latest in avionics is evident for one and all. Armed with its new integrated display system as well as an advanced de-icing system, the EC 725 could herald a new era in helicopter aviation in the country. Undeterred by the cancellation of its proposed deal to sell 197 machines to the Indian Army, Eurocopter is hard-selling the EC 725 to the Indian Navy. The medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter has been developed in military version and civil version.

Bruno Boulnois, head of Eurocopter (India operations) says that this aircraft has benefited, both from the experience and proven long-term operability of its predecessors of the Puma/Super Puma family. Being equipped with numerous technical improvements, the EC 725 is designed to perform tactical transport missions, SAR (search and rescue), combat SAR, as well as medical transport and logistical services. The helicopter can also be equipped for anti-surface and anti-submarine naval missions.

The fuselage of the helicopter is of light alloy material with a large composite intermediate structure and cowlings. The machine-milled frames are strengthened for crashworthiness. And that's not all - the crew and troops are protected by removable armour plating.

A significant feature to note is the new de-icing system. The rotors and the horizontal stabiliser can be equipped with a de-icing/anti-icing system that enables EC 725 crews to fly under extremely severe icing conditions. The helicopter is fitted with a duplex-architecture protection system that meets the required high level of safety requirements. Accordingly, the five main rotor blades are de-iced cyclically by mats heated by metal resistors. With this system, the blades can be folded manually. The anti-icing system for the four tail rotor blades operate continuously.

The flight display system makes use of LCD with four multi-function screens and two additional screens for the helicopter parameters. These screens provide the operator with a simultaneous display for piloting, navigation, and mission parameters. Computers integrate all flight, navigation, and tactical parameters. With this integrated system, the pilot and co-pilot can concentrate on external mission features instead of on the aircraft functioning, which means their mission has a much higher probability of success.

Yet another feature is the dual channel FADEC (full authority digital electronic control) system, which ensures optimal performance, safety and fuel efficiency in any phase of flight. The 'blade shedding' architecture of the free turbine also contributes to modern, reliable, and safe operating capacities. Each engine is a self-contained assembly with all the necessary systems, equipment, and accessories for its operations, he says.

The helicopter is equipped with radar and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) for day and night-time search and rescue capability. The navigation suite includes Doppler radar, global positioning system and inertial navigation system. The search and rescue system can be programmed to provide automatic search patterns, transition and hover. The helicopter's electronic warfare systems include a radar warning receiver, laser warning receiver, missile approach warner and chaff and flare dispensers.