Airbus Helicopters H225M (Antes Eurocopter EC-725) "Super Cougar" FAM

Designed for the most demanding missions, the H225M’s reliability and durability have been demonstrated in combat conditions and crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting NATO-led operations in Libya. As the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ military Super Puma/Cougar family, this 11-metric-ton helicopter, previously named the EC725, is ready for multiple missions.
Aircraft
An all-in-one powerhouse

As a true multi-role platform, the H225M enables military forces to deploy wherever and whenever needed. Operating both from ships and land, this helicopter has an all-weather capability – including flight in icing conditions – supported by state-of-the-art night vision goggle compatibility.

The helicopter’s outstanding 700 nautical mile range is extended with air-to-air refueling, which can be performed while in forward flight and during hover.

Powered by two latest-generation engines, the H225M’s five-blade rotor provides an exceptionally low vibration level, and the modular design of rotor mechanical assemblies allows for easier maintenance.

A pilot’s machine

The H225M is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and communication systems that reduce crew workload while enhancing mission capability and safety. Airbus Helicopters has incorporated significant advances in terms of man-machine interface, ensuring the most important information arrives to the pilot for the most effective decision-making process.

The flight crew has at their fingertips all navigation and piloting data from the electronic flight instruments in the glass cockpit, including dual-channel full-authority digital engine control for the H225M’s two Turbomeca turboshaft engines.

Airbus Helicopters’ renowned 4-axis, dual-duplex autopilot provides outstanding precision and stability and enables flight in search and rescue patterns as well as automatic approaches in instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures.

Unrivalled redundancy is provided in key onboard systems to maintain full functionality, including the dual-duplex Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), dual-engine full authority digital engine control (FADEC) with backup; five LCD electronic flight instruments; and two Vehicle Monitoring Displays, among other features.

Survivability

Using the proven military heritage of Airbus Helicopters’ Puma and Super Puma rotorcraft, the H225M was conceived with survivability in mind. Its airframe has reinforced structural main frames and is equipped with high energy-absorbing landing gear, along with self-sealing and crashworthy fuel tanks.

Cockpit protection is provided by armored and energy-absorbing crew seats, while the cabin can be equipped with armor plating in the floors and walls or fitted with armor-plated carpets. The rotor blades’ multi-box construction enhances their resistance to bullet impacts.

Contributing to the H225M’s survivability is a radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system, and chaff/flare dispensers. The engine exhausts can be fitted with infrared suppressors, with protection against sand and ice provided by inlet design and with installable filters.

Mission equipment

The H225M carries a strong “punch” when called on, ready for everything from front-line missions to critical logistics support. Qualified armament includes a 7.62 mm machine gun in the forward cabin windows; along with 180-round 20 mm gun pods and 19-tube 2.75-in. rocket launchers.

Included in the mission avionics are a flight management system with Doppler, GPS satellite navigation and SAR (search and rescue) modes; a digital moving map; a personal locator system; a loud speaker and a searchlight, among others.

Maintainability

From home base to the most remote locations, Airbus Helicopters conceived the H225M with maintainability in mind.

The Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines are of modular design for easy maintenance, and Airbus Helicopters’ Spheriflex® fiberglass main rotor head is easy to adjust. The airframe includes a built-in step to access the engines.

Overall maintenance information is provided through the integrated HUMS (Health Usage Monitoring System).

See the Support & Services section for additional information.

First slide
Missions
Tactical support

The high load capacity and easy cabin access of the H225M, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility make this aircraft the perfect tactical transport helicopter for troops and cargo.

Its large cabin and heavy-lift performance enables the rotorcraft to carry up to 29 troops/personnel in cabin seats, or up to 20 troops/personnel on energy-absorbing wall-mounted seats. Operations are facilitated by two large sliding cargo doors and two large sliding windows, which leave the main cabin doors unobstructed.

For cargo transport missions, the H225M’s high-density cabin floor accommodates a sizeable internal load, while the maximum external load sling capacity is 4,750 kg.

Search and rescue

Search and rescue (SAR) missions require a fast, high-performance helicopter able to function in all weather conditions. The H225M can achieve these missions when other rotorcraft can’t deliver, offering superior performance, endurance, range and safety.

Able to take off in less than five minutes, followed by high-speed cruise, the H225M reaches the scene rapidly, and is ready for a quick return to base when the assignment is completed.

Its low vibration levels provide an excellent environment for crew and passengers – which is important for concentration and mission readiness – while also reducing airframe and equipment fatigue.

The radius of action of more than 300 nautical miles is extendable by refueling during flight or in hover – giving the reach needed on long-range missions or during prolonged SAR operations.

MEDEVAC/CASEVAC

The high load capacity and easy cabin access, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility make this aircraft well suited for medical evacuation and casualty evacuation duties (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC).

Up to 11 stretchers and five attendants can be installed. Another possibility is the transport of two self-contained medical units with attendants.