Eurocopter Tiger

 

Eurocopter Tiger

 The Eurocopter Tiger , now known as the Airbus Tiger, is a modern, multi-role attack helicopter developed jointly by France and Germany.

A joint Franco-German development, the Tiger is the second and the most recent attack helicopter to emerge from Western Europe. With more than 180 units produced, it is the most successful and widespread European design. Employing a composite layout, 80% of the airframe is made of carbon laminates, Kevlar, and honeycomb-shaped structures.

Configured with many Western missiles, rockets, and a French cannon, the Tiger is employed by German, French, Spanish, and Australian forces. However, Germany plans to retire all the Tiger models between 2031 and 2038. 

Initially scheduled for the first deliveries in 2029, the Tiger Mk3 upgrade was supposed to encompass several significant enhancements. Notably, the upgrade included the adoption of a standardized anti-tank missile and additional improvements to the communication system. However, Germany’s planned divestment reformed the standard under a more conservative Mk2+ standard.

1. Design and Purpose:

   • The Eurocopter Tiger is designed to perform various missions, including:
     • Armed reconnaissance
     • Anti-tank warfare
     • Close air support
     • Escort duties.
   • It is a four-blade, twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). The Tiger is designated as the EC665.
   • It is known as the Tigre in France and Spain, while in Germany, it is referred to as the Tiger.

2. Origins and Development:

   • The development of the Tiger began during the Cold War, with the initial intention of creating an anti-tank helicopter platform to counter a potential Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe.
   • However, as the European security situation changed due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, France and Germany decided to proceed with the Tiger as a multi-role attack helicopter.
   • The Tiger achieved operational readiness in 2008.

3. Advanced Features:

   • The Tiger has several advanced features:
     • It is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe.
     • Early models incorporated a glass cockpit, stealth technology, and high agility to enhance survivability.
     • Improved variants have more powerful engines and compatibility with a wider range of weapons.

4. Operational History:

• Tigers have been used in combat in various regions, including Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.



attack  helicopter

Specifications

• Crew: 2 (pilot and weapon systems officer)
• Length: 14.08 m (46 ft 2 in) fuselage
• Height: 3.83 m (12 ft 7 in)
• Airfoil: blade root: DFVLR DM-H3; blade tip:DFVLR DM-H4
• Empty weight: 3,060 kg (6,746 lb)
• Gross weight: 5,090 kg (11,222 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 1,080 kg (2,381 lb) internals
• Powerplant: 2 × MTR MTR390 turboshaft engines, 972 kW (1,303 hp) each
• Main rotor diameter: 13 m (42 ft 8 in)
• Main rotor area: 132.75 m² (1,428.9 sq ft)

performance overview

• Maximum speed: 290 km/h (180 mph, 160 kn) with rotor head mast

315 km/h (196 mph; 170 kn) without rotor head mast

• Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
• Ferry range: 1,300 km (810 mi, 700 nmi) with external tanks on the inboard hardpoints
• Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 10.7 m/s (2,110 ft/min)
• Disk loading: 38.343 kg/m² (7.853 lb/sq ft)
• Power/mass: 0.38 kW/kg (0.23 hp/lb)

weapon system

• Guns:
  
  • 1× 30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 cannon in chin turret, with up to 450 rounds

Tiger can carry a combination of the following weapons:

• Inner hardpoints:
  • 2x 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods, or
  • 44x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod, or
  • 38x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod or
  • 8x AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (Australia/France) or
  • 8x Spike-ER missiles (Spain) or
  • 8x PARS 3 LR missiles (Germany) or
  • 8x HOT-3 missiles (Germany)
• Outer hardpoints:
  • 4x Mistral air-to-air missiles, or
  • 4x Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) air-to-air missiles (Germany), or
  • 24x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod or
  • 14x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod