Germany selects EC645 T2 LUH for special forces

The German Federal Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected Eurocopter’s EC645 T2 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) for Germany’s Special Forces Command. The MoD has signed a contract for 15 EC645 T2 helicopters worth €194 million, with deliveries to begin in late 2015.

Eurocopter will supply the 15 aircraft and related special mission equipment packages. The German Special Forces Command will operate the helicopter fleet in a range of roles, including insertion and extraction of special ops, fire support and reconnaissance.

Wolfgang Schoder, CEO, Eurocopter Germany, said: ‘By selecting the EC645 T2, [the German armed forces] is setting an international benchmark. They are putting their faith in proven technologies from missions around the world.

‘Among others, the US Army successfully operates a fleet of more than 270 EC145s, the aircraft on which the EC645 T2 is based. This helicopter is an economical, low-risk and quickly available solution to carry out missions for special forces that has already won out several times against international competition.’

The EC645 T2 LUH is fitted with a modern digital cockpit with full night vision and a 4-axis autopilot. Its communication equipment including tactical radios enables interoperability among NATO forces. The helicopter’s maximum take-off weight is 3.7 tons; and 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 theatre of operations.

Deliveries of the aircraft will be completed by mid-2017.