French Army grounds Cougars
The French Army has grounded its fleet of Eurocopter Cougars following an accident off the coast of Gabon that killed eight.
Two soldiers survived the accident which happened shortly after the helicopter, carrying 10 soldiers, including six special forces paratroopers took off from the French helicopter carrier La Foudre during joint military exercises with the Gabon armed forces at the weekend.
The Cougar came down off Nyogne, a village between the west African country's capital, Libreville, and the oil port of Port Gentil.
The wreckage lies in 35 metres of water, and will be raised in the next few days.
The French military has temporarily grounded its fleet of 17 Cougar helicopters until the investigation determines whether they have a technical fault.
"This is a precautionary step that is routinely taken every time an incident takes place on a aircraft," said armed forces spokesman Colonel Benoit Royal.
The French army said it could draw on its 95 Puma and eight Caracal helicopters while the Cougars, which have been in service for an average of 16 years, are grounded.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
