Eurocopter Brings EC725 Helicopter to Poland's MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition

Eurocopter’s solution for the Polish Armed Forces will be the theme of its participation at next week’s MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition at Kielce, Poland, which is to include the display of a combat proven multi-role EC725.

As the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter’s 11-ton military product line, the EC725 has become a rotorcraft of choice in the modernization of military forces’ helicopter fleets worldwide. Customers include France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan– with negotiations underway for acquisitions by additional countries.

The EC725’s capabilities in challenging operating conditions are demonstrated by the rotorcraft’s current Afghanistan deployment by France, as well as its performance during France’s role in NATO-led operations during the Libyan military campaign.

A joint Eurocopter/French Air Force briefing on the EC725’s operational experience in Afghanistan is planned at MSPO on the exhibition’s opening day, September 3.

Designed to fly under the most extreme weather conditions, its avionics includes highly advanced four-axis autopilot with full flight envelope protection. The helicopter’s large cabin enables to transport up to 28 soldiers and carry a wide variety of weapons and sensors. Mission applications for the EC725 range from tactical transport and special operations to combat search & rescue and maritime patrol.

“The EC725 offers the full benefits of Eurocopter technology and innovation in a highly versatile helicopter,” said Olivier Michalon, the Vice President of Sales & Customer Relations for Europe and Central Asia. “This is combined with Eurocopter’s capability to develop and implement longstanding industrial cooperation with local companies, and is backed by the resources of our EADS parent company – which has been present in Poland, through PZL-Okecie since 2001.”

Establishing successful industrial partnerships with customer countries is a key element of Eurocopter’s strategy, as demonstrated by the assembly of 50 x EC725s in Brazil for its armed forces, the establishment of a United States production line for the 346 x UH-72A Lakotas– a version of the EC145, which has become the U.S. Army’s new Light Utility Helicopter.
With a total of 54 EC120, EC130, EC135 and EC145 helicopters Eurocopter has an established significant market leading presence in Poland.

The delivery of 23 life saving EC135s to Poland’s LPR (Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) , modernized the country’s nationwide emergency medical services (EMS) network.

By offering a full value proposition and tailored solution, Eurocopter has demonstrated its ability to support a governmental operator in its transition from a soviet-era fleet to a modern, state-of-the-art helicopters.

Source : Eurocopter, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)