At the recent exhibition of weapons and equipment Eurosatory-2014, the European company Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) showed a mock-up of its new helicopter. A full-size model of the EC645 T2 was delivered to the exhibition site. The new helicopter project is a further development of the Eurocopter EC145 and UH-72 Lakota rotorcraft. The design of the new helicopter uses several new technical solutions aimed at improving performance. As a result, the Airbus EC615 T2 helicopter can perform both transport and combat missions.
The EC145 and UH-72 machines were taken as the basis for the new helicopter. Thanks to this, the EC645 T2 received a characteristic streamlined fuselage with large windscreen glazing. The fuselage layout also remained the same. The bulk of this unit is devoted to the cockpit and space for passengers or cargo. Above the cab there is an engine compartment covered with a large casing. A hub of a four-bladed main rotor emerges from this casing. Like the base helicopters, the new EC645 T2 has a relatively thin tail boom. To improve the characteristics, the promising transport and combat helicopter received the so-called. fenestron: a tail rotor placed in an annular channel. The propeller casing is the base for the tail assembly. The helicopter is equipped with a ski landing gear.
The EC645 T2 helicopter is powered by two 770 hp Turbomeca Arriel 2E turboshaft engines. In takeoff mode, the engines develop power up to 894 hp. If one of the engines is damaged, the remaining one can develop power up to 1038 hp for two minutes. It is also allowed to "accelerate" the engine to 1072 hp, but in this mode it can only work for 30 seconds. To control the operation of the power plant, it is proposed to install a digital control system (FADEC) on the helicopter. Thanks to the use of such a system, it is possible to optimize the operating modes of the engines and increase their power. Actual power gains are reported at 25% with both engines and 45% with one. It is argued that such a power plant allows the helicopter to reach speeds of up to 265-270 km / h. Flight range - up to 660 km. Service ceiling - 3 km.
The new EC645 T2 helicopter is quite compact. Its dimensions and weight remained approximately at the level of the basic machines used as the basis for it. The total length of the vehicle (taking into account the main rotor with a diameter of 11 m) is 13.6 meters, the length of the fuselage is 11.7 m, the width, taking into account the onboard suspensions, is 2.8 m, and the height is about 4 m. The maximum take-off weight of the helicopter reaches 3, 65 tons. The dimensions and weight of the helicopter will allow it to be transported by the promising military transport aircraft Airbus A400M. The maximum payload is up to 1.72 tons. It can be a weapon or up to 9-10 people. The crew of the EC645 T2 helicopter consists of one or two people. An additional passenger can be taken on board instead of the co-pilot.
The cockpit of the new transport and combat helicopter is equipped with modern electronic equipment. Almost all the necessary information is displayed on two large color liquid crystal displays. The number of dial gauges is minimized. In order to improve the combat capabilities, the helicopter is equipped with a set of observation equipment. On a stabilized platform, covered with a spherical casing and suspended under the nose of the fuselage, a video camera, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder are installed, which can also be used as a target designator. With the help of this equipment, the crew can observe the situation, identify targets and destroy them.
For ease of piloting, the EC645 T2 is equipped with a four-channel autopilot. There is a modern navigation system, as well as communication equipment that meets NATO requirements.
In a combat configuration, the Airbus Helicopters EC645 T2 helicopter must use the SAWS modular weapon system. The helicopter is equipped with two multifunctional side pylons, on which it is supposed to install weapons corresponding to the assigned combat mission. According to reports, the helicopter can carry a unit for launching unguided and guided missiles with 7 and 12 guides; Israeli-made Spike guided missiles and suspended containers with heavy machine guns or automatic cannons of 20 mm caliber. In addition, a machine gun can be installed in the side door opening. The model, shown at the Eurosatoru-2014 exhibition, was equipped with a block for 12 unguided rockets and a container with a 20-mm cannon.
For the effective use of existing weapons, the helicopter is equipped with a set of special electronic equipment. Due to its relatively low weight, the vehicle has relatively weak protection. The cockpit and some units received easy booking. In addition, the fuel tanks are self-tightening. In order to avoid an attack using anti-aircraft weapons, the EC645 T2 helicopter must carry an electronic warfare system designed to counter enemy radar, as well as an optoelectronic suppression system that protects against infrared homing missiles.
At the Eurosatory-2014 exhibition, only a model of a promising transport and combat helicopter was shown. Nevertheless, the project of Airbus Helicopters has already attracted the interest of potential customers. In July 2013, it was announced that the German Ministry of Defense wished to acquire a new model of helicopters. At the same time, a contract was signed for the supply of 15 aircraft with a total value of 194 million euros (almost 13 million euros for a helicopter). It is assumed that this technique will be used in the special forces of the Bundeswehr KSK Kommando Spezialkräfte. In accordance with the existing contract, the first of 15 helicopters is to be delivered to the customer in 2015. Completion of deliveries is scheduled for 2017.
In addition to Germany, the new helicopter can be ordered by other countries. The Airbus Helicopters EC645 T2 is an interesting combination of light transport and light attack helicopter that could be of interest to potential customers. Small and poor countries that need modern helicopter technology to solve a wide range of tasks are considered as future buyers. In addition, the EC645 T2 project may be of interest to the United States. Several years ago, this country ordered three hundred Eurocopter UH-72 Lacota helicopters. General design features that can make the equipment easier to operate may be a prerequisite for buying the newest EC645 T2.
