Airbus receives stimulus order from French government
DGA ordered eight more H225M helicopters. (Photo: Airbus)
DGA orders eight H225Ms and a second VSR700 prototype from Airbus Helicopters.
French defence procurement agency DGA has ordered eight more H225M helicopters and a second prototype VSR700 rotary-wing UAS, manufacturer Airbus Helicopters announced on 15 April.
The value of the deal was undisclosed, but it forms part of a stimulus package from the French government, announced in 2020 to support the national aviation industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The H225Ms will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, while the French Navy and Naval Group will evaluate the VSR700 under the Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM) programme.
DGA previously Airbus Helicopters a contract to carry out de-risking studies, which will allow the VSR700 to undergo trial flights from naval vessels.
First deliveries of the H225Ms in the latest order are planned to start in 2024 as a ‘long-awaited’ replacement for the French Air and Space Force fleet of Puma helicopters, Airbus Helicopters noted.
Supply chain partners for the H225M include Safran Helicopter Engines (Makila 2A engines), Safran Power Units (Saphir 20 auxiliary power unit), Safran Electronics Defense (Euroflir EO system and Sigma inertial navigation system), and Thales (TRA6034 VHF/UHF radio and TSC4000 IFF transponder).
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