The Eurocopter EC 225 five bladed version of the Cougar and is similar to the military EC 725 wich was developed as a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search & Rescue operations.
The EC225 development was announced by Eurocopter in June 1998, with the first prototype performing its maiden flight on 27 November 2000. It received safety certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency in July 2004.
Developing nation: France.
Manufacturer/designer: Eurocopter.
Production line: Marseille-Marignan.
Type aircraft: long-range tactical transport helicopter.
First flight: 27 November 2000.
State: in service.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
- Capacity: 24 passengers + 1 cabin attendant
- Length: 19.50 m (63.98 ft)
- Rotor diameter: 16.20 m (53.14 ft)
- Height: 4.97 m (16.30 ft)
- Empty weight: 5,256 kg (11,587 lb)
- Loaded weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
- Useful load: 5,744 kg (12,663 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 11,200 kg (24,690 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshafts, 1,798 kW (2,411 shp) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 324 km/h, 201 mph (175 kts)
- Maximum speed: 275.5 km/h, 171 mph (148.5 kts)
- Cruise speed: 260.5 km/h, 161 mph (140.5 kts)
- Range: 857 km, 532 mi (463 nm)
- Service ceiling: 5,900 m (19,350 ft)
- Rate of climb: 8.7 m/s (1707 ft/min)
All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar.
