Indonesia has taken delivery of the first EC725 medium transport helicopters from Airbus Helicopters at the latter’s facility in Marignane, France.
Around six EC725 helicopters were ordered by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) from Eurocopter in April 2012, to fulfil the Indonesian Air Force’s requirements for a combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.
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PTDI will now complete the mission equipment installation and customisation at its Bandung, West Java facility, before handing over the 11t helicopter to the air force by mid-2015.
PTDI president Budi Santoso said: "We are pleased to receive this first EC725 from Airbus Helicopters, which will allow us to complete it in the CSAR version, to be handed over to the Indonesian Air Force.
"We will continue to work closely with Airbus Helicopters to ensure the on-time delivery of the remaining units, as we anticipate an additional order from the Air Force for ten more EC725s to complete its squadron of 16 helicopters."
Airbus Helicopters South East Asia and Pacific Region head Philippe Monteux said: "Our delivery of the first EC725, with significant parts being first built by PTDI, underscores how our partnership continues to evolve, meeting Indonesia’s helicopter needs and further contributing to the progress of its aerospace sector."
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By GlobalDataA derivative of Eurocopter’s AS 532 Cougar, the EC725 is a long-range tactical transport helicopter designed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, CSAR, maritime surveillance, humanitarian support, medical evacuation and shipborne missions.
The helicopter is equipped with a modern digital cockpit, a four-axis autopilot, and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites and during loading/unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.
Locations where the helicopters are currently operated are France, Brazil, Mexico and Malaysia. The aircrafts have also proven their capabilities in crisis areas, such as Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting French soldiers during Nato-led operations in Libya.
Image: Indonesia received the first EC725 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters at the latter’s facility in Marignane, France. Photo: Copyright Eric Raz.
