Eurocopter unveils Malaysian EC725
Eurocopter has unveiled the first EC725 helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force in a live video broadcast between Eurocopter’s French headquarters and the LIMA 2011 exhibition in Malaysia.
Twelve EC725s are being acquired by Malaysia for search and rescue and utility missions under terms of a contract signed in 2010. According to the company, eight aircraft are currently in production, and the first will soon enter flight testing.
According to Eurocopter, as part of the EC725 contract, an agreement for 13 strategic cooperation projects was signed – including the integration of Malaysian industry into Eurocopter’s global supply chain, and the development of joint ventures with local companies to establish an in-country MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, a regional EC725/EC225 full-flight simulator centre, and other capabilities. The MRO and flight simulator installations are being created together with the Boustead Group, and all 13 cooperative projects will be aligned with Malaysia’s goals of enhancing its industrial capabilities and economic strength through technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
The Malaysian EC725 deliveries will begin next year and continue through early 2014.
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