Marignane, February 12, 2010

Eurocopter, the world leading helicopter manufacturer, will show a significant presence at Defexpo 2010, with its star product, the AS 550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The premiere defence Airshow in Asia, being organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence will see Eurocopter present its range of military helicopters and state-of-the-art technology.

As Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia points out,
“By participating in the key RFPs with our best products, we hope to continue to support India acquire the right mission equipment and develop a strengthened aerospace industry. Over the next few months we will also further our relationship with India by exploring opportunities for setting up joint ventures with our long time partners and establish a stronger footprint to provide end-to-end service to the country.”

The AS550 C3 which is undergoing trials for the Indian Army and Air Force requirement of Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters will be one of the key products to be showcased at the event. Also showcased will be specification and mock-up models of the EC 725, which is Eurocopter’s key offering for the Indian Multi-role Helicopter requirements and the Panther, which is best suited for the requirements of the Indian Coast Guards.

With reference to both the Indian military and civil markets, Eurocopter currently holds a leading position achieved through strong partnerships. In the military space, Eurocopter has had a fruitful association with India for over 4 decades through two co-operation agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).The relationship started with a license production enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama type (Cheetah/Chetak). In 1984, HAL associated with Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter. The cooperation with HAL has been further strenghtened with Eurocopter outsourcing metallic and composite work packages and today, HAL is part of Eurocopter global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier one suppliers.

In the civil space, Eurocopter has successfully formed partnerships in both public and private sector with Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited and Indocopters. These partnerships cover the entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support.

Key attractions at DEFEXPO 2010

AS550 C3 Fennec- Best in class product for the RSH requirements
FENNEC is a reference helicopter regarding Extremely Hot / Desertic operations and, since 2005, it has demonstrated the capability of landing on the Top of the World, Mount Everest. The AS550 C3 FENNEC is a military combat proven helicopter and the most powerful version in the FENNEC family. Its exceptional performances have made it a worthy replacement of the Cheetah for work at high altitudes and in hot weather. The increased power and proven reliability features make it a front runner. The Fennec is operating in the Chilenean Andes at altitudes over 5000 m and it has already landed at Sziachin glacier in 2005.

EC 725- Unrivalled mission package both for civil and military demands
Originally designed to perform various missions, including SAR, Combat SAR, long distance tactical transport missions, the EC 725 can also perform medical transport and logistical services. Additionally, it can be perfectly fitted for naval missions. It is an upgraded version of the internationally succesful Cougar family. The aircraft has an exceptional fuel capacity and boasts a flight endurance of five-and-a-half hours and can be refuelled in flight. Recently, the Brazilian armed forces also recognized the multi-role capability of the aircraft and signed a contract for 50 EC725 helicopters. The French Air Force operates today a fleet of 19 EC725 helicopters.

Panther
The Eurocopter AS565 Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter. The Panther is used for a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search & rescue, offshore patrolling, counter-terrorism and MEDEVAC. Quiet and cost effective, the AS565 significantly multiplies a surface ship’s ability to conduct surveillance, Anti-Surface unit Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). With an endurance of four hours, the AS565 is an affordable and valuable alternative to medium-class helicopters which are limited in their ability to perform full anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) missions.