Extends Airframe Life Through 2035

RUAG has returned the last of nine Cougar helicopters to the Swiss Air Force, following completion of the programme to modernise the aircraft to the TH18 configuration, the company announced on 6 May.

Emulating the successful modernisation programme for the service’s Super Puma to the TH06 model, the Federal Council authorised the TH18 programme in early 2017. The programme, aimed at extending the useful life of the 20-year-old platform, took three years to complete and availability of the renewed platform is now assured until at least 2035. Harmonising the capabilities of the Super Puma and Cougar fleets allows more uniform and simplified operational procedures and training.