Germany To Procure Eurocopter Helicopters Worth 194 Million Euros

Eurocopter and Germany today signed a contract for 15 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to be used by Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), Germany’s Special Forces Command.

The contract, worth a total of 194 million euros, also includes the related equipment packages to allow KSK to carry out its special operations missions. The deliveries of the 15 aircraft begin in late 2015 and will be completed by mid-2017. 

The LUH contract enhances the German Special Forces Command’s operational capability. The day and night missions that these helicopters will perform include insertion and extraction of special ops, fire support and reconnaissance. 

The EC645 T2 LUH features a modern digital cockpit with full night vision and a 4-axis autopilot. Its communication equipment including tactical radios enables interoperability among NATO forces. Special ops teams can quickly access the aircraft thanks to its spacious cabin, which has two large sliding side doors and double doors at the rear. The helicopter’s maximum take-off weight is 3.7 tons.

Troop safety is improved by the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, particularly for flight operations in confined landing sites and whenever the rotor is turning on ground. 

In addition, the mission equipment packages include fast rope system, cargo hooks and hoists. The aircraft are also equipped with pintle armament and electro-optical sensors. A self-protection system and ballistic protection further increase crew safety and aircraft survivability. The EC645 T2 is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC). 

The helicopter can be strategically airlifted in an Airbus A400M and quickly prepared for the mission upon arrival in a theater of operations. 

The EC145 has also been in operation for many years by renowned customers such as France’s Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale, Germany’s DRF air rescue organization and the German Automobile Club (ADAC), along with many armed forces and police helicopter units around the world.

In addition, the EC645 T2 offers the Bundeswehr the potential for increased synergies, given that the German Army Aviation School in Bückeburg has for many years been using the EC135 for pilot training, Eurocopter’s family concept opens up additional benefits in training, operations and logistics for these aircraft.