Aircrafttotal Encyclopedia

Role	Tactical transport helicopter/armed helicopter
National origin	Multinational
Manufacturer	Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters
First flight	27 November 2000
Introduction	February 2005
Status	In service
Primary users	French Armed Forces Brazilian Armed Forces Mexican Air Force Royal Malaysian Air Force
Produced	2000–present
Number built	90
Developed from	Eurocopter AS532 Cougar
Variants	Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma.

Design

The EC725 is based on the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar, improving upon the design with a five-blade composite main rotor incorporating a new airfoil shape to reduce vibration levels. The helicopter can be fitted with removable armour plating to protect the troops and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines mounted over the cabin, which feature a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. They can be fitted with an anti-icing system to enable the aircraft to operate in very cold climates. Other improvements include a reinforced main rotor gearbox and an all glass cockpit. The cockpit is equipped with an integrated display system featuring a digital map and active-matrix liquid-crystal display

Development

The EC725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search and Rescue operations. The AS 532 A2 Cougar model was examined and rejected for this purpose following extensive trials between 1996 and 1999. The primary improvements desired by the French Air Force were more powerful engines, greater flight endurance and improved combat durability. Eurocopter opted to pursue development of a more ambitious derivative of the AS 532 to meet this need, which was later designated as the EC725. The EC725 was initially named Cougar Mk II+ for treaty reasons.^[] The new aircraft also featured new mission equipment and autonomous avionics, along with other changes to meet the French specification.

Airbus Transport

Eurocopter EC725 Caracal,
now called Airbus Helicopters H225M,

General characteristics

Crew: 1 or 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
Capacity: 1 chief of stick + 28 troops or 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) payload
Length: 19.5 m (64 ft 0 in)
Height: 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 5,330 kg

Powerplants

Gross weight: 11,000 kg
Max takeoff weight: 11,200 kg
Powerplant: 2 × Turboméca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, 1,776 kW (2,382 hp) each
Main rotor diameter: 16.20 m
Main rotor area: 206.1 m²

Specifications

Maximum speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn) in level flight
Cruise speed: 262 km/h (163 mph,
Never exceed speed: 324 km/h
Range: 920 km (570 mi, 500 nmi)
Ferry range: 1,253 km (779 mi,)
Service ceiling: 6,095 m

Links to Youtube & Others

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar.

Airbus Industries
H225M Caracal

The EC725 is based on the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar, improving upon

Youtube Link

The EC725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search and Rescue operations.

Airbus Industries
Eurocopter EC-725 Caracal

Airbus Industries
EC-725 Caracal H225M

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History Eurocopter EC725 Caracal,
now called Airbus Helicopters H225M,