Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec the helicopter of choice

Extensive global experience shows that reconnaissance and observation helicopters need to be capable of fulfilling various roles - personnel transport, escort and armed missions, casualty evacuation and observation. Thus three key expectations from a successful helicopter in this segment are manoeuvrability, versatility and agility.

This is what makes Eurocopter's AS550 Fennec one of the most successful helicopters in the world for this kind of requirement. The success of Fennec clearly lies in its versatility. It is the only helicopter that is certified by internationally accredited military certification agency (French DGA, under the Ministry of Defence).

As an important advantage, Eurocopter has a manufacturing capacity of more than 300 Fennec/ Ecureuil helicopters a year. The AS550 Fennec is the combat version of the Ecureuil family and is renowned the world over for its lethality. It can be fitted for anti-tank, air-to-air combat, ground support and training missions and it is also used in the utility transportation role.

The Fennec can function impeccably from -40 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. This is what makes it a reference helicopter for extremely hot and desert operations. Not only can it be deployed successfully at sea-level, it also holds the world record for landing on top of the Mount Everest. It can execute forward speed and rapid ascent in record times, which makes it best suited for reconnaissance and surveillance activities.

"The Fennec is our most advanced helicopter and it is a proven military helicopter including complete weapon systems, fully compliant with the quality requirements of the Indian army and the air force. We have recently completed field trials as well and are confident that we will meet the expectations of the armed forces," said Rainer Farid, Eurocopter's Vice President for Sales, South Asia.

The AS550 is a light aircraft based on a reinforced high-strength glass fibre and aramid airframe. The Starflex main rotor head and blades are also of composite materials for added strength and weight reduction. The helicopter is fitted with armoured seats and can carry the pilot and up to five troops. The cabin can also be configured for medical evacuation with capacity for up to two medical evacuation stretchers and two doctors.

Its sophisticated cockpit is equipped with single controls and is night-vision compatible. The navigation suite includes sophisticated global positioning system, a VHF omni-directional radio ranger and instrument landing system (VOR/ILS), an automatic direction finder, distance measuring equipment and a marker beacon transponder. The secure communications systems are fitted according to the customer country's specification.

The AS550 Fennec currently represents the best transport / radius of action trade-off of any helicopter in its class. In just an hour, it can transport 25 commandos 20 km at altitudes of up to 4,000 metres at ISA temperatures, and up to 3,500 metres at ISA +20°C while at the same time performing take-offs out of ground effect. In its attack configuration, the AS 550 C3 Fennec can be equipped with a gun, rockets, or machine guns. Its stability, manoeuvrability and low detectability make it an excellent platform.