Combat-Proven, Robust, Versatile and Reliable Workhorse
With 88 aircraft in service with six countries, the H225M, a member of the SUPER PUMA family, has amassed an aggregate 100,000 flight hours since its introduction into French Air Force service in 2006.
The H225M, Known in France as the CARACAL, was rapidly deployed in Lebanon in 2006, where it successfully evacuated around 300 people. Since then the 11t helicopter has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas such as Afghanistan, Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic and Mali, while also supporting NATO-led operations in Libya.
“We are thrilled to see that the H225M has achieved this symbolic milestone with helicopters flying in different corners of the globe and in some of the harshest theatres of operation,” observed the Head of the SUPER PUMA programme at Airbus Helicopters, Michel Macia. “Its state-of-the art avionics and world-renowned four-axis autopilot, its exceptional range and payload capacities, combined with a large cabin designed to carry 28 troops and powerful air-to-ground and air-to-surface armament and electronic warfare system, allow the H225M operators to carry out the most demanding missions.”
Operating both from ships and from land, even in icing conditions, this helicopter has an all-weather capability supported by night vision goggle compatibility. It’s considerable 1,296km range can be extended with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, allowing for flight times of up to 10 hours, as demonstrated recently by the French Air Force in operational conditions.
The H225M is relied upon as a force multiplier by France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The Royal Thai Air Force has recently authorised a follow-on order of four aircraft for combat search and rescue and troop transport missions. Other recent customers for the H225M include Kuwait, which signed a contract in 2016 for 30 aircraft, and Singapore.
