The mission capabilities of Eurocopter helicopters produced for Middle East military services and law enforcement agencies are being highlighted at this week’s 2010 Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) in Jordan.

Eurocopter’s participation at SOFEX 2010 includes the exhibit of AS350 B3 and EC635 rotary-wing aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, along with display of the Stand-Alone Weapon System (SAWS) developed by Eurocopter and airborne systems integrator ATE.

“We are proud of our helicopters’ role in the protection and homeland security of Jordan and other Middle East countries, which is a result of our company’s more than 30-year presence in this region,” said Eurocopter Senior Vice President Olivier Lambert. “Today, there are over 650 Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft in the Arab world’s inventory with military services, law enforcement agencies and civilian operators.”

More than 30 Eurocopter helicopters fly in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Royal Jordanian Air Force’s current Eurocopter inventory includes AS332 Super Pumas for troop transport and search & rescue, AS350s for pilot training and VIP airlift, and EC635s for multi-mission duties. In addition, the country’s Public Security Air Wing operates EC635s and BO105s.

The long-term support of Jordan’s helicopter fleet is a priority for Eurocopter, including the company’s commitment to work with local industry for maintenance, repair and overhaul activity. This relationship will bring Eurocopter’s technical competence together with capabilities of the country’s aeronautics industry.

Eurocopter’s other products and capabilities for Jordan and the Middle East are illustrated at SOFEX 2010 by its display of scale models of the Tiger attack helicopter, and the EC725 Caracal for combat search & rescue (C-SAR) and special operations. The combat-proven Tiger is the newest attack helicopter in operation today, and the Caracal is the most modern C-SAR rotary-wing aircraft, which also is well suited for special operations.

Also shown at SOFEX 2010 is the Stand-Alone Weapon System (SAWS), which is tailored for Eurocopter’s military helicopter product range, including the EC635, AS550 Fennec and the new EC645. The SAWS solution matches the increased market demand for helicopters with weapon systems capable of meeting evolving mission scenarios in both current and future conflicts.

The SOFEX 2010 show is being held May 10-13 at the King Abdullah I Airbase in Marka.

Source: EADS