Eurocopter, MARIGNANE, France: The first flight of the HAD version of the Tiger (HAD S/N 5001) has taken place in Marignane (France) on December 14th, 2007, at the exact date forecasted in the Tiger HAD development contract signed two years ago between Eurocopter Tiger and the international armament organisation OCCAR.
The flight clearance had been granted by the French military airworthiness authority DGA on the 11th of December 2007 and had been followed by the usual ground runs process prior to the first flight.
This flight represents a big step for the development of the most recent Tiger version. It enables the start of the flight test period, which is necessary for the further HAD development and qualification activities. HAD S/N 5001 is the first serial HAD for Spain, and will be transferred to Eurocopter España facilities in 2009, where it will further be the main support to HAD development activities. The HAD version will be qualified end 2010 and HAD will then start being delivered to its customers in France and in Spain.
The Tiger is the most recent and best performing attack helicopter in the world. It has been ordered so far by France (80 units), Germany (80), Australia (22) and Spain (24). Thirty Tigers are already in service.
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The HAD version has been ordered by France (40 units) and Spain (18 + 6 retrofits into HAD). With respect to the HAP version already delivered to France and Spain and armed with an utmost accurate turreted gun, the MBDA Mistral air-to-air missile and rocket launchers, the HAD version additionally features a more powerful engine, Spike and Hellfire air-to-ground missile capabilities, an IFF interrogator function, an improved ballistic protection, as well as a new EWS system.
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
