EC725 Caracal / Super Cougar H225M | |
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General information | |
Type | Tactical transport helicopter/armed helicopter |
National origin | Multinational |
Manufacturer | Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters |
Status | In service |
Primary users | French Armed Forces |
Number built | 350[1] |
History | |
Manufactured | 2000–present |
Introduction date | February 2005 |
First flight | 27 November 2000[2] |
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.
On November 27, 2000, the first helicopter took off from the ground, and a few months later it was shown to the public at the official presentation.