EC725 Caracal / Super Cougar H225M | |
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A French Air and Space Force EC725 Caracal | |
Role | Tactical transport helicopter/armed helicopter |
National origin | Multinational |
Manufacturer | Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters |
First flight | 27 November 2000[1] |
Introduction | February 2005 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | French Armed Forces Brazilian Armed Forces Mexican Air Force Royal Malaysian Air Force |
Produced | 2000–present |
Number built | 90[2] |
Developed from | Eurocopter AS532 Cougar |
Variants | Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma |
The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma.
On November 27, 2000, the first helicopter took off from the ground, and a few months later it was shown to the public at the official presentation.