It has reported that the Cabinet approved the procurement of Air Force
helicopters from Eurocopter 4 aircraft worth U.S. $ 4 billion, although the
report did not specify the version that will be provided. But it is quite certain
that the EC725 Super Cougar Search and Rescue.
Air Force
plans to supply helicopters to replace UH-1H, Air Force will be supplied with 16
aircraft by dividing the project into three phases: Phase 1 acquisition of four
aircraft, phase two : supply 8 aircraft, and phase 3 : 4 supply 4 aircraft.
The EC725 is
a versatile long-range development from Super Puma or Cougar-2 family, pilot
carrying troops or the weight of 28 tons, 2 Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engine, operating
range 857 mile range, fly 1325 miles with a top speed of 175 knots. In service
in France, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, total orders
to date (not counting the orders of the United States) are 131 aircraft.
Sources in
the Air Force told to ThaiArmedForce.com that there was 4 company that competes
: Sikorsky S-92 from American, EC725 from Eurocopter in Europe, AW139 from
AugustaWestland of Italy, and Mi-17 from Kazan/Ulan-Ude from Russia. Primarily
by the Air Force's Mi-17 and AW139 cut out.
The Air
Force is committed to supply the S-92 with the procurement of three aircrafts, that
the Royal Aircraft recently acquired. However, sources indicate that the S-92
does not offer Search and Rescue equipment to the Air Force. The Air Force is
required to purchase equipment for Search and Rescue and the EC725 is equipped
with it. As a result, the total price will be, and the Air Force to procure
changes in the EC725.
While this
has not been officially signed the contract. The process is still under
negotiation.
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