Helicopter Eurocopter Tiger. Specifications

Eurocopter Tiger/Tiger (Eng. Eurocopter "Tiger") - reconnaissance and strike helicopter. Developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter. I tried to get close to it, but it was stuck all the time huge amount people!!!

As always, I use information from sites
http://www.airwar.ru
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki
and other sources found by me in the internet and literature.

Based on the results of computer simulation of the combat operation of helicopters and an analysis of their use in local military conflicts, by the mid-1980s, the US and NATO aviation experts had spread the idea that the survival of a helicopter in the future would be largely determined not by the survivability of the structure, but by the level of visibility helicopter in the main physical fields, the complex of electronic warfare equipment used, and the perfection of the tactics used.
cabin

Here, the survivability of the machine is understood as the level of losses - the ratio of the number of downed helicopters to total number flights made. At the same time, consideration of the design principles used, structural layout solutions and features of the RAH-66, Eurocopter Tiger and other helicopters does not give grounds to talk about the abolition of the requirements for ensuring combat survivability, rather, we are talking about changing the ranking of priorities and requirements.
nose cannon

The design of the Tiger helicopter was carried out on the basis of the following basic principles.

Visibility reduction (“Do not be seen by the enemy”). The thin fuselage (cab width 1 m) is made of polymer composite materials (PCM), transparent to high-frequency radar radiation.
Possibility of using tactical evasion techniques when enemy is detected by radar, infrared and acoustic means (“If seen, do not be hit”). To this end, the helicopter is equipped with various sensors and devices for detecting radiation from enemy air defense systems. The high maneuverability characteristics necessary to ensure an energetic evasive maneuver, the ability of the structure to withstand overloads from +3.5 to -0.5, must be realized.
The ability to continue flying under enemy fire (“If hit, survive and stay in the air”). Continuation of the flight with a single defeat of the structure by a 23-mm OFZ projectile. A set of measures to ensure combat survivability, including the presence of an armored partition between the engines, a tubular tail rotor drive shaft with a diameter of 130 mm made of PKM. Side sliding armored shields for the operator and pilot, protected explosion-proof and fireproof fuel tanks.
a gun

The straight wing of low elongation with lowered tips has four pylons to accommodate weapons, fuel tanks and containers for various purposes.
outboard armament

sidewall

The location of the crew members - standard for attack helicopters - in tandem, a feature of the Tiger helicopter is front location pilot seat, workplace operator at the back. At the same time, the pilot's and operator's seats are shifted in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine to provide a better forward view of the operator from the rear seat.
Crew cabin with shock-absorbing armored seats.
left view

The machine has a hydraulic automatic control and auto-stabilization system CSAS (Control and Stability Augmentation System) for pitch, roll and yaw channels, combined with an autopilot. The electrical system includes two generators alternating current 20 kVA and a pair of transformer-rectifier units (300A / 29V), as well as batteries. The electronic equipment, common to all versions of the helicopter, includes two on-board computers.

The fuselage structure consists of 80% polymer composite materials (PCM) based on carbon fiber and Kevlar, 11% aluminum, and 6% titanium alloys. The main and tail rotor blades are made of PCM and remain operational in case of combat damage and collisions with birds. Lightning protection and resistance to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) are provided by a thin bronze mesh and copper connecting foil applied on the surface of the fuselage.
The fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, while the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar. The developers paid much attention to the survivability of the machine in accordance with the MIL STD-1290 standards. This made the design of the helicopter sufficiently resistant to hits by 23-mm shells from the Soviet ZSU 23-4 "Shilka" and ZU 23-2.
front view

Flight information for the pilot is also duplicated by conventional instruments. The navigation subsystem includes a Doppler radar, radar altimeter, magnetometer, speed, azimuth and drift indicators. It provides autonomous determination of flight parameters and provides the necessary data for CSAS and the weapon control system. The helicopter is equipped with a combined threat alert system operating in both laser and radar ranges.
cabin

Non-retractable landing gear, tricycle with a tail wheel. Its design provides landing with a vertical speed of 6 m/s.
main rack

The equipment includes the AN / AAR-60 MILDS airborne detection system, which warns the crew about the exposure of the helicopter to enemy radar, laser guidance and aiming systems, and about the launch / attack of missiles. The complex was developed by the German branch of the EADS consortium. All systems are connected to the on-board computer, the commands of which are sent to the automatic reset of anti-radar reflectors and IR-interference devices from MBDA. Installed on the helicopter electronic warfare equipment Eloka. The characteristics of the visibility of the helicopter in the optical, radar, IR and acoustic ranges have been minimized.

The survivability of the structure and on-board systems of the helicopter ensures the possibility of continuing the flight when hit by a single 23-mm OFZ projectile.
general view on the left

The power plant consists of two turboshaft gas turbine engines MTR 390, specially designed for this helicopter by MTU Turbomeca; the engines are installed side by side, have side air intakes, the nozzles are deflected upwards and equipped with devices to reduce IR radiation. The gas turbine engines have a modular design, a two-stage central compressor, an annular reverse-flow combustion chamber, a single-stage gas generator turbine and a two-stage free turbine. Takeoff power 958kW, maximum continuous power 873kW. Engine length 1.08m, width 0.44m, height 0.68m, dry weight 169kg.
engine

cabin and window

cabin

The main rotor is four-bladed with hingeless blades, made of KM. The hub consists of a titanium hub and two KM cross plates bolted together. There are no horizontal and vertical hinges in the design of the sleeve and there are only two tapered radial elastomeric bearings in the axial hinges. This design of the sleeve provides a quick installation of the over-sleeve sight and is characterized by compactness, strength, low aerodynamic drag, very few parts and easy maintenance. The blades are rectangular in plan, with end parts tapering and bent down. The blades have been developed with advanced airfoils that provide a 10% improvement in flight performance compared to conventional airfoils. The design of the main rotor, which has an equivalent radius of the main rotor of about 10%, provides an increase in maneuverability when performing anti-tank operations in low-level flight mode in extreme conditions.
main screw

For attacks on armored targets, the crew has an IR night vision system for the pilot, helmet-mounted sights and situation indicators that display information on the windshield. The over-sleeve sight for the operator has optical and IR channels with different viewing areas. The REO also includes a laser rangefinder-target designator.
hanging weapon

guided missiles:


Transmission. The main gearbox is two-stage, the first stage has gears with helical teeth, the second - with cylindrical, with helical gearing. Provides the ability to work without lubrication for 30 minutes, compatibility with the over-sleeve sight and the ability to withstand 12.7mm bullets. The main gearbox is mounted on supports equipped with devices to reduce vibrations.
engine

To reduce the visibility of the helicopter in the infrared range, the engine nozzles are equipped with devices for mixing exhaust gases with air. In case of failure of one of the engines, the continuation of the flight is possible by putting the other engine into emergency mode.

what is this?

The swept tail is unusually developed: it consists of a pair of keels, one of which is located under the tail boom, and two vertical surfaces at the ends of the direct stabilizer. The keel is given an asymmetrical profile, and the surfaces are set at an angle, which allows you to unload the tail rotor in flight.
tail rotor

The tail rotor with a diameter of 2.7 m, three-bladed, "spheriflex" type, made of KM, is installed on the right side of the keel. The blades are rectangular in plan, with an asymmetric aerodynamic profile and a swept tip. A nickel anti-erosion pad is installed along the tip of the blade. The hub is made of titanium and has spherical elastomer bearings and elastomer dampers.

back view

The fuel system is duplicated, equipped with sealed tanks with a volume of 1360 liters. The fuel tanks are equipped with a system to prevent the explosion of the gas-air mixture in the overfuel space.

right side view

front

a gun

windshield

general view, always a lot of people

And now more about the history of the creation of this helicopter:
In 1973, the Italian company Augusta and the German concern Messerschmitt-Belkov-Blom (hereinafter referred to as MBB) began joint design of a light anti-tank helicopter. At the same time, the French company Aerospatiale was developing a new multi-purpose helicopter for the army.
for preliminary

However, by 1975 the Italo-German project ran into difficulties, both technical and financial. Three years later, the Italian side terminated the agreement, starting to independently design the A-129 Mongoose, and 70% of the share of German costs was compensated by the Italian ground forces. During the period of friction between "Augusta" and "MBB", the German government proposed to France to start joint production of an anti-tank helicopter. The French side gave the go-ahead, and in 1977 the specialists of Aerospasial and MBB began joint research.
the crew, they also took pictures of us

In the course of them, disagreements in solving technical problems were revealed. Since France is characterized by a mild climate with a lot of sunny days, the Armee de l "Air command would like to get a relatively light and simple design machine with one engine, quite cheap to manufacture, because the French intended to export it to countries third world.In Germany, colder and wetter weather prevails with a lot of fog and precipitation.Therefore, the German Bundesluftwaffe relied on an all-weather helicopter capable of operating in difficult weather conditions.In addition, the French side was not averse to saving money and therefore at the same time considered options for multi-purpose helicopters ", the German one focused on a purely single-purpose - designed to destroy tanks. And this is understandable: a powerful Soviet armored group was concentrated "under the nose" of the FRG. To implement the program, the Eurocopter consortium was formed with a branch in Paris. From the German side, responsibility for the development was assigned

In order to transfer work into a single direction and reduce financial costs, in 1984 a decision was made to create three different helicopters on the basis of one design. The multi-purpose version of the NAR (Helicoptere d "Appui Protection) as well as the anti-tank HAC-3G (Helicoptere Anti-Char) were intended for the French army, and the all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 (Panzerpabwehr-Hubschrauder) for the German army. The project cost was estimated at 2.36 billion During the implementation of this program, the French intended to receive 75 NAR helicopters and 140 HAC-3G, and the Germans - 212 all-weather anti-tank RAN-2.

The armament of the helicopters corresponded to the purpose. Both French vehicles carried four air-to-air missiles with the Mistral IR GOS and a promising 30-mm GIAT FV-30781 cannon with an ammunition capacity of 450 (on the NAR variant) and 150 shells (on the US model). In addition, the first provided for the installation of a pair of blocks with 60-mm NUR SNEB (12 shells each), and the second eight ATGMs "Hot-2", and in the future homing ATGMs of the third generation "Trigat". The German model had the same main armament as the French anti-tank one, but for self-defense it was supposed to use four American missiles with the Stinger IR seeker. It was planned to include the Flir survey system operating in the IR range, and a laser rangefinder-target designator combined with an aiming system, and a TV camera into the onboard REO of all three options.
one sits down, the other takes off

The delivery of helicopters in the NAR variant to the French was planned to begin in 1997. Anti-tank helicopters with the Toy ATGM were to enter service in 1998, and the first eight combat vehicles with the Trigat ATGM at the end of 1999. However, the high cost of the program ( three options) in the middle of 1986 forced specialists to reassess the requirements for combat vehicles and their characteristics. For about a year, the implementation of the project was under threat, and the West was very skeptical about the prospects for Eurocopter. But after the approval of the new proposed projects, the "ice broke" and on November 13, 1987, the parties decided to develop in the 90s. helicopter under the designation "Tiger".
away we go

In March 1988, in order to reduce the cost of design, both sides combined the French and German anti-tank models into one SATN project (Comman Anti-Tank Helicopter - a single anti-tank helicopter). The SATN program was estimated at $1.1 billion. At the same time, the airframe and power plant corresponded to the PAH-2 variant. However, instead of American system detection and target designation TADS / PNVS company "Martin-Marietta" decided to install a European set of equipment MEP on the helicopter, which included a sub-sleeve sight, a survey system and a fire control system. At the same time, the French army confirmed its interest in receiving a close fire support helicopter.

April 27, 1991 RT-1 "Tiger" took to the air for the first time. During the tests, a comprehensive assessment of flight characteristics, airframe subsystems, bushings of the main and tail rotors, engines, fuel and hydraulic systems, as well as on-board electronic equipment was carried out. The helicopter demonstrated good stability, which made it possible to abandon the planned installation of a stabilization system (SAS) - vertical surfaces at the ends of the stabilizer, which were intended to increase lateral stability and dampen oscillations in the yaw channel.

Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and withdrawal Russian troops from Germany had a negative impact on the fate of the project. The "Russian Bear" was no longer at the "borders of the Fatherland" and German Defense Minister D. Stoltenberg "with a light heart" reduced the number of PAH-2 anti-tank helicopters planned for purchase from 212 to 138 vehicles. The unification of the two Germanys required considerable costs and part of the funds, the government withdrew from the military budget. This, on the one hand, reduced the allocations for the needs of "copper helmets" by 1.26 billion dollars, and on the other hand, forced the consortium's management to start looking for potential buyers. In addition, the reduction in the number of purchased helicopters by Germany has slowed down the pace of development programs and preparation for mass production.

Meanwhile, in June 1992, in Ottonbrook (Germany), the assembly of the second experimental helicopter RT-2 was completed, which was intended for testing the onboard electronic equipment, as well as the RT-3 that was under construction, and in November of the same year the first experimental fire support helicopter appeared for the French army, which by this time had received the name "Gerfo" (kochet). To save time and money, French specialists, simultaneously with flight tests of this machine, were testing the weapons system and parts of the electronic equipment for it on Puma helicopters. So, one of the first was tested 30-mm automatic gun GIAT AM-30781 and sighting system operating in the optical and infrared ranges.

Successful tests of "Gerfo" made a certain impression on German specialists and on November 17, 1992, the command army aviation stated that the plans for the purchase of all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 are by no means final and may well be adjusted in favor of the Zherfo variant. The beginning of the new 1993 turned out to be far from joyful for the board of the consortium, since. a few weeks after the Christmas holidays, the German government cut the number of purchased PAH-2 helicopters to 78. Against this background, the conclusion of a contract for the development of the third generation ATGM "Trigat" could hardly improve the mood of the developers. The program again, once again, was under threat.

However, on May 29, the army command of France and Germany signed an agreement in which Germany's participation in the development of the Tiger helicopter was confirmed. A fly in the ointment for the Eurocopter was the date for the helicopters to enter service, pushed back to 2000. This created some commercial difficulties, since export deliveries were scheduled to begin in 1998. And the UK was supposed to be the first buyer. At the same time, the joint agreement set the task of developing new tactical and technical requirements for the Tiger, which now, under the designation UHV-2, was supposed to be used as a multi-purpose support helicopter. It was planned to install promising Trigat ATGMs and a 27-mm Mauser automatic cannon located in the ventral container. A set of sensors for the detection and review system, as well as a computer for the combat information and control system, were also subject to modernization.

In 1994, the third prototype RT-3 was tested. They found: large bending moments of the main rotor (which was reinforced), excessive sensitivity of the duplex automatic flight control system, increased vibrations in the cockpit and tail boom. As a result, the gear ratio in the blade pitch control system was reduced, and the shape of the gearbox fairing was modified in order to stabilize the flow around and reduce vibration. A "fast" launch of the MTU MTR-390 turboshaft gas turbine engines developed by the British Rolls-Royce and the French Turbomeca was also worked out. In particular, the control program for nozzles and the first stages of compressors has been adjusted.

In the mid 90s. potential buyers have not lost interest in the Tiger. Thus, the German government confirmed its original intention to receive 212 combat helicopters. They are planned to equip four battalions: one for each of the three airmobile brigades, one remains as a separate one. In 1995, the French Ministry of Defense ordered 14 "Tigers" for military testing and at the same time purchased the main spare parts for a total of 153 million dollars. In the same year, experimental machines RT-4 and RT-5 were assembled in the NAR and PAH-2 / NAS versions, respectively. They were used for full-scale weapons testing. Repeated delays in the implementation of the Tiger program have led to the fact that the arrival of these helicopters for equipping the troops is expected no earlier than 1998-1999. The board of the consortium also has not yet received confirmation from Germany on the acquisition of these machines after 2005.

The outlook for the global arms market has deteriorated as well. Initially, the UK showed interest, wishing to purchase 125 helicopters, Spain - 60 and the Netherlands - 40. However, the British and Dutch, disappointed with the test results, soon switched to the more powerful American AH-64A Apache. In third world countries, we should expect serious competition from the Russian Mi-28 and Ka-50, which have an undeniable superiority over the Franco-German development in almost the entire range of flight performance and combat characteristics. Moreover, both Russian helicopter are already in mass production and, importantly, much cheaper than the "Tiger".

flight the next day

and drunkards with the eyes of rabbits, they look at us thoughtfully ... and what kind of holey gloves does the operator have?

everyone is watching

Our helicopter belongs to the French Army, has registration number F-ZKBS (formerly BHE) serial number 2019. Correct model name: EC665 Tiger HAP-1 !!!

Who is first?

let's hit the road

first hang and show yourself

The German Ministry of Defense declared the European fire support helicopters "Tiger" (Eurocopter Tiger) unsuitable for use. This is reported by the newspaper Die Welt, citing an official statement from the department.
Helicopters manufactured by the European company EADS were intended to arm the German contingent in Afghanistan. However, as stated in the materials of the internal correspondence of the Ministry of Defense, their deliveries will be delayed due to numerous defects and shortcomings.

According to AFP, a batch of 80 Tiger helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS, was ordered in 1999. 67 of them were to be delivered by 2009. Meanwhile, according to a representative of the Ministry of Defense, by now the department has received only 11 helicopters, and due to "serious defects" all of them were declared unsuitable.

Eurocopter issued a statement saying that troubleshooting work is progressing at an accelerated pace. It is expected that the first combat-ready Tiger helicopters will be available to the Bundeswehr no earlier than 2012.

Unit cost US$39 million

satisfied audience

Modifications:
US Tigre is a multipurpose attack helicopter with a primary anti-tank mission for the French army.
HAP Gerfaut is a fire support attack helicopter for the French Army.
PAH-2 Tiger (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber 2) is a second-generation anti-tank helicopter for the German army.

whoops

Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons operator)
Length: 15.8 m
Fuselage length: 15.0 m (with cannon)
Main rotor diameter: 13.0 m
Tail rotor diameter: 2.7 m
Maximum fuselage width: 4.53 m (with pylons)
Height: 4.32 m (with tail rotor)
Rotor swept area: 132.7 m²
Chassis base: 7.65 m
Chassis track: 2.38 m
Empty weight: 4200 kg
Normal takeoff weight: 5300 - 6100 kg (depending on the mission)
Maximum takeoff weight: 6100 kg
Mass of fuel in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB)
Volume of fuel tanks: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB)
Powerplant: 2 × turboshaft MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR390
Engine power: 2 × 1285 hp With. (2 × 958 kW (take-off))

Flight characteristics

Maximum allowable speed: 322 km/h
Max speed: 278 km/h
Cruise speed: 230 km/h
Practical range: 800 km
Ferry range: 1280 km (with PTB)
Flight duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
with maximum fuel: 3 h 25 min
Static ceiling: 3500 m (out of ground influence)
Rate of climb: 11.5 m/s
Vertical rate of climb: 6.4 m/s
Disc load: 45.2 kg/m² (at maximum takeoff weight)

planes are waiting for a break

Armament

Shooting and cannon: 1 × 30 mm Giat AM-30781 cannon with 450 p.
Suspension points: 4
guided missiles:
air-to-ground missiles: 4 × HOT or Trigat or AGM-114 on internal nodes
air-to-air missiles: 2 × Mistral or Stinger on external nodes
Unguided missiles: blocks of 22 on internal and 12 missiles on external nodes
Additional weapons: 12.7 mm machine guns with 250 rounds or PTB on internal nodes

The PAH-2 Tiger helicopter was developed by the Eurocopter consortium, which includes the German company MBB and the French Aerospatiale. According to the agreement adopted in 1987 by representatives of Germany and France, two variants of a combat helicopter were being developed - an anti-tank helicopter, common for both countries and received the name PAH-2 in Germany, and HAC in France, and an escort and fire support helicopter only for France, called HAP. The first flight of a prototype PAH-2 helicopter took place on April 27, 1991.

A feature of the combat helicopter PAH-2 is: the ability to perform combat missions around the clock and in difficult meteorological conditions, high maneuverability, combat survivability and operational manufacturability, high quality new level automation of control of on-board systems and weapons, as well as wide application composite materials.

All versions of the PAH-2 helicopter are based on a single basic design (fuselage, engines, hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems, etc.), as well as on the modular design of special equipment. The basic design is based on the scheme of a single-rotor helicopter with a tail rotor, two gas turbine engines and a tricycle landing gear with a tail wheel.

The PAH-2 helicopter has an aircraft-type fuselage made of about 80% composite materials, which not only reduces the mass of the helicopter structure, but also helps to reduce the life cycle cost and labor intensity of operation. In the forward part of the fuselage there are cockpits of the pilot and pilot-operator located according to the "tandem" scheme. The cockpit is in front, and the cockpit of the pilot-operator is behind and slightly higher. The main controls are duplicated and located in both cockpits, so that, if necessary, the pilot-operator can take control of the helicopter. The design of the fuselage as a whole and the landing gear are made taking into account the requirements for the safe damageability of structures and systems. To ensure the safety of the crew in the event of an emergency landing, there are honeycomb panels in the lower part of the fuselage that have the ability to absorb kinetic energy. This design provides a safe landing for the crew with a vertical speed of up to 10.5 m/s. A significant part of the energy in the event of an emergency landing is also taken over by the pilot's seats and landing gear.

The PAH-2 helicopter has a wing span of 4.5 m, the ends of which are lowered down. On the wing there are four suspension units for weapons or additional fuel tanks. The power plant consists of two turboshaft gas turbine engines MTR 390 with a maximum takeoff power of 958 kW. each. The power plant is controlled by an electronic-digital system that ensures optimal operation of the engines in all modes. To reduce the visibility of the helicopter in the infrared range, the engine nozzles are equipped with devices for mixing exhaust gases with air. In case of failure of one of the engines, the continuation of the flight is possible by putting the other engine into emergency mode. The total capacity of the fuel tanks is 1360 liters. The fuel tanks are equipped with a gas-air mixture explosion prevention system in the overfuel space.

The PAH-2 helicopter is equipped with a four-blade main and three-blade tail rotors. The propeller blades are made of composite materials. All versions of the helicopter are equipped with reconnaissance and sighting equipment, navigation equipment and control systems that ensure their combat use day and night, in simple and adverse weather conditions. The sighting complex includes: a television camera, an infrared night vision system, a laser rangefinder-target designator and helmet-mounted sights. Sighting and navigation information can be displayed on helmet-mounted indicators, on the windshield and color multifunctional liquid crystal displays in the cockpits of crew members.

Armament of anti-tank helicopters should consist of 8 Hot-2 ATGMs or 8 new Trigat ATGMs and 4 Mistral or Stinger air-to-air missiles. Helicopters of escort and fire support are armed with a built-in 30-mm air cannon on a turret, launchers of unguided missiles of 68 mm caliber and 4 Mistral missiles.

Helipad to be used against Soviet ground intrusion into Western Europe. During its long period of country development the Soviet Union collapsed but France and Germany decided to continue with the Tiger, developing it instead as a multipurpose attack helicopters. It reached operational readiness in 2008.

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the most early models also include other additional features such as cockpit windows, stealth technology and high maneuverability to improve her survivability. Improved variants have since been put into service, equipped with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. With the introduction of this service type, tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.

development

Origin and early development

In 1984, the French and West German authorities issued a requirement for advanced helicopter battlefield versatility. A joint venture between Aerospatiale and MOU was subsequently selected as the preferred supplier. In 1986 the development program was effectively canceled due to increasing costs; she had officially calculated that supplying the German troops with an equivalent number of US-made McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache helicopters would be a significantly cheaper alternative to proceed with the development of the Tiger. According to statements by French Defense Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the joint effort had become more expensive than a separate national program and was also predicted to take longer to complete. In July 1986, a government report to the project argued that development had become distancing itself from the requirements and preferences of its military customers.

France and Germany have reorganized the program, including such moves as the adoption of fixed-term contracts, placing greater financial risk on the private firms involved. Thomson CSF also took over much of the development work on the e-Tiger, such as visual systems and sensors. Despite early development problems and political uncertainty between 1984 and 1986, the program was officially relaunched in November 1987; it was at this point that a greater emphasis on helicopter attack anti-tank capabilities occurred. Most of organizational structure the project was quickly rebuilt between 1987 and 1989; such as the installation of the Franco-German Helicopter Office to act as the program's executive body in May 1989.

In November 1989, Eurocopter signed an agreement that financially secured most of the development of the helicopter up to serial production, including the arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignana plane and MBB's Donauwörth facility. This same arrangement also included the production of five Tiger prototypes. Three of these were to act as unarmed test sites the other two as armed combat prototypes with one for the French escort helicopter variant and the other for the German anti-tank variant. The first prototype took the Tiger's first flight on April 27, 1991, which lasted for 30 minutes.

design

review

The Tiger is capable of conducting a wide range of combat missions, including armed reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-tank and close air support, escort and protection of friendly assets; and can work during the day and night in all weather conditions, and was designed to include operations to deal with the consequences of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. Tiger can also be used in marine environment capable of operating from the decks of ships, including frigates, and in extreme weather conditions. Among the notable qualities of the Tiger, he has a very high level maneuverability, much of which is attributed to the design of its 13-meter-high four-blade hingeless main rotor; The tiger can perform full cycles and negative G maneuvers. Power is provided by a pair of FADEC controlled MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.

Tiger in flight, 2012

The Tiger has a "cockpit glass" tandem seat and is driven by a two-man crew; the pilot is in a forward position, with the gunner seated behind. Any of the crew members can operate weapons systems or primary flight control, switching roles if necessary; in addition to the aircraft's flight, the Tiger's pilot would typically be overseen by self-defense systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapon functions. While some of the weapons use dedicated control interfaces, such as the anti-tank Trigat air-to-air missile, the weapons can be controlled using the controls on both sets of collective and cyclic sticks.

The crew, new to the Tiger, must undergo significant retraining due to the difference from the old platforms, in particular, in the area top management workloads and additional features provided by type; one of the main changes from previous attack helicopters is a much higher degree of autonomy. According to Andrew Warner, chief test pilot in the development of the Tiger, this is "the easiest aircraft handling I have ever flown".

System cost (helicopter, armament, support) and unit cost vary between variants; The Australia Tiger ARH has a unit price of A$68M, the latest Tiger HAD variant is valued at US$44-48M.

survival

The Tiger is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe. The fuselage of the Tiger is made of 80% CFRP and Kevlar, 11% aluminum and 6% titanium. All tail parts are made of composite materials, including one section of the tail boom. The rotors are made of a composite fiber plastic material capable of withstanding battle damage and bird strikes. The structure of the Tiger also includes protection against lightning strikes and electromagnetic pulses with built-in copper/bronze and copper bonding foil mesh.

Tiger design includes a high degree dignity accidents; many of the onboard systems are redundant and separated to minimize the effect of damage. Propulsion system components such as the rotors and drive shaft were deliberately designed for greater ballistic tolerance than traditional designs; the box is rated to be able to run dry for 60 minutes if lubrication is lost. Fuel is contained in two main internal fuel tanks, while two more smaller tanks are housed inside the wing stubs. The fuel tanks have a self-sealing capability to reduce vulnerability. In the harsh theater environment of Afghanistan, the Tiger was reported to have an operational availability of 90%.

Avionics and weapons

Tiger Cab Forward GAP

Among the aircraft's key avionics features are EUROGRID battlefield control and mapping systems, integrated communications (HF/VHM/FM radio and satellite) and data links, a high power digital automatic flight control system, and redundant MIL 1553 data buses. Two backup mission computers for weapon control, sensors and targeting functions. The Tiger's navigation suite includes GPS, Duplicate Inertial Referencing, Doppler Radar, split air data blocks, a radio altimeter, and distributed airspeed sensors. A dedicated nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor is used by the pilot for night-time flight.

Each crew member has a pair of multi-function liquid crystal data displays in their control station, typically used to display internal systems information and sensor data, and to interact with the aircraft's higher systems. An additional display system is available for both crew in the form of a helmet-mounted display (HMD). The GMD is used by the flying signal pilot to display key flight data from digitally processed optics, such as night vision or infrared images from sensors stacked against each other; the gunner can use the HMD to interact with and control the weapon's onboard systems and attitude representation data.

Mast above head rotor with Osiris system.

Perhaps the most important system the single avionics mounted on the Tiger is the ICC Osiris sight/sensor; this includes an optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser rangefinder/tracker/target designator, and several gyroscopes for stabilization. Osiris acts as the main sensor for surveillance and target acquisition, providing firing and targeting data from the weapon's computer; The Osiris also allows completely passive target acquisition to be carried out and was designed to maximize the capabilities of the Trigat anti-tank missile and was developed in parallel with the Tiger itself. An alternative optical system, Osiris, is mounted on the roof of the aircraft in some variants.

The Tiger can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including rockets, cannons, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, controlled through a dedicated weapon control computer. Ammunition for anti-ground warfare includes a nose-mounted 30mm NEXTER turret; an assortment of external gun pods, anti-tank missiles, and up to four launchers for 70mm and 68mm rockets can be fitted to the Tiger's wing stubs. When deploying missiles, such as the Mistral, the Tiger is able to take advantage of the ammunition's off-axis projection capabilities. A 70mm guided missile will be developed for the Tiger based on the Roketsan Cirit.

Operational history

In December 2008, the final qualification of the HAP and UHT variants of the Tiger was completed, marking the platform's readiness for overseas operational duties. In May 2009, the Tiger participated in the Toulon coast readiness trials in order to clear the type for active shipboard deployment. In November 2009, about 50 Tigers were delivered to customers and fleets worldwide accumulated over 13,000 flight hours.

In July 2009, three French Tiger HAP helicopters of the 5th Helicopter Regiment arrived at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, marking the Tiger's first active deployment to an active war zone. The helicopters carried out armed reconnaissance and fire support missions in support of a coalition of ground forces fighting Taliban insurgents. The Tigers had their operational certification in Afghanistan in early August 2009; one French officer described the tiger's role in the theater as "find, attack, suppress, capture, raid, and support". In July 2010, Detachment Tiger was reported to have totaled 1,000 operational hours in Afghanistan. On 4 February 2011, a French tiger crashed while operating at night about 30 miles east of Kabul, and both crew members suffered minor injuries.

In August 2009 the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that ten operational Tigers in the German Army were only suitable for pilot training, while others were not accepted due to defects. In May 2010, Germany suspended deliveries of more "serious defects, especially with wiring"; in response, Eurocopter stated that "Corrective measures related to wiring problems have been developed, agreed by the customer and are being implemented", and that the two corrected helicopters will soon be handed over to the German army.

During the 2011 military intervention in Libya, France deployed a French vessel Tonner amphibious assault carrier carrying a number of Tiger helicopters on board to the coast of Libya to conduct military operations on military targets in Libya. On 4 June 2011, the French Tigers, along with British Army Apache helicopters, began fighting in Libya.

In December 2012, a total of four German Tiger UHTs have been deployed in Afghanistan. The UHTs operated from the Mazar-i-Sharif Air Base in Afghanistan, providing reconnaissance, ground support and convoy protection duties. All tigers deployed to the zone have previously been upgraded under the Asgard program; modifications include the addition of new protective systems, sand filters for the MTR390 engines, and enhancements to the communications package. The German Army received the last of the ASGARD-upgraded Tigers in March 2014. In March 2013, Spain also deployed three HADS Tigers to the region to operate in support of the Spanish ground forces. From January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2014, German Tigers 1,860 hours flown in Afghanistan over 260 missions supported by NATO ground forces, Afghan security forces, and relief operations humanitarian aid after the flood. None of Germany's four deployed Tigers fired in combat, which the Bundeswehr attributed to psychological impact helicopter through displays of strength sufficient to counter threats.

In January 2013, as part of France's intervention in the northern Mali conflict, a small number of tigers were deployed to fight in the theatre. It was reported early in production that the Tiger HADS, known as Unit 1, were deployed to the theater in November 2014 after being deemed operational. In March 2017, two German Tigers were deployed to Mali in support of the multidimensional United Nations Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, freeing AH-64 Apaches of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, with another two Tigers due to join them. On July 26, 2017, one of two German Tigers en route to support a mission of UN troops crashed in the desert 70 km north of Gao for unknown reasons. Both pilots died in the crash.

Options

UH Tiger

UVT (from Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger German for "helicopter support Tiger") is a medium weight multipurpose fire support helicopter built for Bundeswehr(of the German Armed Forces). According to an agreement between the German government and Eurocopter made in March 2013, a total of 57 Tiger UHS are to be purchased.

The UVT can carry PARS 3 LR "fire and forget" and/or HOT3 anti-tank missiles, as well as 70 mm (2.8 in) Hydra 70 air-to-ground fire support missiles from the Belgian manufacturer Forge de Zeebrugge. Four AIM-92 Stinger missiles (two on each side) are fitted for air-to-air combat. Unlike the GAP/HCP version it does not have an integrated gun turret, but a 12.7 mm (0.50 in) gunpod can be fitted if required. The weapon configuration was designed to be versatile and easily convertible to cover the full range of possible mission scenarios and be effective against a wide variety of targets. Another difference is the use of ICC vision, which has a second generation of infrared and CCD cameras (18 km range).

Tiger H.A.P.

Tiger HAP / HCP ( Helicoptère d "Appui Protection , French for "Support and Escort Helicopter" / Helicoptere de Combat Polyvalent French for "multipurpose combat helicopter") is a medium weight combat and fire support air-to-air helicopter built for the French army. It is equipped with a chin-mounted GIAT 30 mm gun turret and can carry 68 mm SNEB unguided rockets or 20 mm mounted cannons in the fire support role, as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles. France 40 NARs were delivered in 2012 at a price of €27m/unit (~US$36m) at 2012 prices. In December 2015, France decided to upgrade its entire existing Tiger fleet to HAD standard by 2025.

Tiger H.A.D.

Tiger Had ( Helicoptere d "Appui Destruction, in French or Helicoptero de Apoyo y Destrucción in Spanish for "helicopter support and destruction") version is essentially identical to the GAP version, but is best suited for operation in hot environments, with 14% more engine power available due to the upgraded Enhanced MTR390 engines (+1092 kW / 1464 hp). s in normal operation; 1,322 kW / 1,774 hp in emergency power mode), maximum takeoff weight increased to 6,600 kg, communication suite expands with Up Link and Down Link satellite dish and better ballistic protection, as a result of specific requests made by the Spanish army. It is equipped with Hellfire II and Spike ER armor-piercing missiles. It is suitable for attack, escort, ground fire support, armed reconnaissance, air-to-air combat roles.

It was selected by the Spanish Army and the French Army of Light Aviation (ALAT) decided to upgrade most of its NAR helicopters to the HAD variant. In December 2004, Spain ordered 24 HAD variants and France ordered 40 HADs. France 40 HAD will cost €35.6m/block (~US$48m) at 2012 prices. The French Army refers to those Tigers upgraded to HAD variants as Tiger Mk2 .

In January 2016, it was announced that France was working with Australia, Germany, Spain and to determine the proposed further increase of the Tiger HAD, referred to as Tiger Mk3. A key aspect of this upgrade, scheduled to take place around 2023, should be the adoption of a common anti-tank missile, as well as other improvements in areas such as communications systems.

Tiger ARH

The Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) is a version commissioned by the Australian Army to replace its OH-58 Kiowa and UH-1 Iroquois-based "bushranger" attack helicopters. The Tiger ARH is a modified and updated version of the Tiger HAP with improved MTR390 engines, and a laser designator included as a Strix for firing Hell II air-to-ground missiles. Instead of SNEB unguided rockets, the ARH would use 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets from the Belgian developer, Forgy de Zeebrugg (FZ). Twenty-two variants were ordered in December 2001. Most of the helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. The helicopter was shipped to Australia for part form and local assembly at Brisbane Airport by Australia Aerospace.

The first two ARH helicopters were delivered to Australia on 15 December 2004. Deliveries were for adolescent reproductive health to be completed by June 2010 with full service scheduled for December 2011.

In 2012, following three incidents with cockpit fumes that endangered airmanship, pilots voted not to fly until all safety concerns were resolved.

In August 2014, the Australian Defense Force and BAE Systems Australia successfully piloted an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Laser Guidance System kit for use with Arch's 70mm FZ unguided missiles.

The 2016 Australian Defense White Paper stated that the Tiger helicopters will be replaced by other armed reconnaissance aircraft in the mid-2020s. Problems cited include a lack of commonality with other Tiger variants, high engine maintenance costs, and shipping times to send parts back to Europe for repair and refurbishment.

The Australian Army Tiger ARHS reached its final operating capacity on 18 April 2016.

operators

• australian army

• French army

• german army

• Spanish army

Specifications (Tiger GAP)

The tiger flew right overhead

Data Wilson, McGowen

Eurocopter Tiger (Airbus Helicopters Tiger) - a twin-engine attack helicopter, created in the early 1990s and commissioned in 2003 by the Eurocopter concern. In Germany it is called Tiger, in France - Tigre.

History of Tiger

In 1984, the Armed Forces of France and Germany presented official requirements for a promising multi-purpose combat helicopter. Development and creation new car was entrusted to a joint venture between Aerospatiale and MBB. However, already in 1986, the project was canceled due to the prohibitive cost of the helicopter, which had to be created from scratch, as well as doubts about the need to purchase them. The German Armed Forces considered it more efficient and cheaper to purchase a limited batch of American-made AH-64 Apache helicopters.

However, by 1987, after the reorganization of the joint concern and optimization to reduce costs, the project was resumed. By 1989, a joint draft design of the future car was ready.

In 1989, five prototypes were built at the factories in Marignane and Donauwert, which were chosen as production sites. Three prototypes did not have weapons, two more worked out on-board weapons. The first prototype took off in 1991.

In 1992, the joint venture between Aerospatiale and MBB was reorganized into the Eurocopter Group. Most of the projects of both firms were included in the new concern, including Tiger.

After flight tests, the project stalled. cold war ended and the military budgets of European countries began to cut sharply. However, the Tiger project continued to develop, although it did not escape the contractions and stretching of the duration of the work. Now the Germans needed not only an anti-tank helicopter (the Soviet attack armies were no longer a threat), but also a reconnaissance, escort and support helicopter. In 1999 alone, France and Germany placed official orders for 160 helicopters. In 2005, the first production vehicles began to be delivered to the troops.

In the 1990s, the UK and the Netherlands were to be the main potential customers for Tiger export helicopters. Eurocopter paid a lot of attention to these countries, but, with the reduction of military budgets and the delay in bringing helicopters into mass production, both countries abandoned the model in favor of. Later, already in the 2000s, after the start of deliveries to the armies of France and Germany, the military from Spain and Australia placed their orders for these helicopters. It is planned to conclude contracts for the supply of South Korea, Brazil, Malaysia and Qatar.

Description: demonstration flights of Eurocopter Tiger helicopters

Tiger design

Eurocopter Tiger was created according to the classic single-rotor scheme with a tail rotor

When creating it, the latest technical achievements were used: composite materials, a helmet-mounted sight, digital radio-electronic systems, helmet-mounted indicators for pilots, etc. The presence of durable chassis structures, a power set and seat reservations allow the crew to withstand landing at a speed of up to 11.5 m in emergency situations /With. The crew cabin is double with shock-absorbing armored seats located in tandem at different levels: the pilot is in front and the operator is behind.

The fuselage, made entirely of composite materials, can withstand projectiles up to 23 mm caliber. The shape of the cockpit with a sliding canopy made of armored glass minimizes the reflection of light and radar radiation.

The design of the four-blade main rotor uses elastomeric bearings. For the blades, new aerodynamic profiles have been developed: the ends of the blades are swept and bent down to improve hover performance.

The power plant consists of two Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 gas turbine engines with a capacity of 1285 hp, installed side by side. The transmission is equipped with a two-stage gearbox capable of operating without lubrication for 30 minutes, excess strength makes it able to withstand the impact of 12.7 mm bullets.

The PAH-2 Tiger helicopter is the first serial helicopter to have liquid crystal displays on the instrument panel, which makes it possible to read readings in any light. There is also a binocular helmet-mounted sight for pointing weapons; control system with two channels of redundancy (mechanical and electric).

Modifications

• UH Tiger(from Unterstützungshubschrauber - support helicopter) - a medium multi-purpose close support helicopter created for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). The helicopter is equipped with PARS 3 LR missiles (fire and forget), HOT3 anti-tank missiles, as well as 70mm unguided rockets. To combat air targets, the helicopter can be equipped with AIM-92 Stinger missiles. 12.7 mm guns can be suspended from the helicopter.
• Tiger HAP/ HCP(Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection - support and escort helicopter, as well as Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent - multi-purpose combat helicopter) is a medium helicopter for combating ground and air targets, created for the French Armed Forces. Equipped with a 30mm cannon, 68mm SNEB unguided rockets, 20mm overhead machine guns, and Mistral air-to-air missiles.
• Tiger HAD(Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction or Helicoptero de Apoyo y Destrucción in Spanish) is a modification originally similar to the HAP version, but more adapted for direct combat in conditions of active opposition. The uprated MTR390 engine has 14% more thrust, and the design is better protected from bullet attacks. Created for the Spanish Armed Forces. Equipped with Hellfire II and Spike ER missiles.
• Tiger ARH(Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter - combat reconnaissance helicopter) - a modification created for the Australian Army to replace the OH-58 Kaiwa and UH-1 Iroquois. The Tiger ARH is an upgraded version of the Tiger HAP, fitted with laser designators and targeting systems for Hellfire II missiles. Instead of standard unguided rockets, the helicopter is equipped with 70-mm rockets from the Belgian company FZ (Forges de Zeebrugge).