First Updated Cougar Delivered Back to the French Army

The first prototype upgraded AS532 Cougar transport helicopter has been delivered back to the French Army Air Corps, it has been revealed.

The aircraft was delivered from Eurocopter to the army's trials and evaluation unit, known as GAMSTAT, at Valence on 19 September where it will undergo a period of operational evaluation, expected to last four months.

The evaluation will validate the new avionics system onboard.

The modernisation brings the aircraft in line with changes in air traffic regulations. It also updates the self-protection system and integrates the army's SIT ALAT information system. The new aircraft also feature an EO/IR turret on the nose.

More aircraft will arrive later this year for regiments to begin pilot training. Eventually, the French Army Air Corps will operate 20 examples of the updated Cougar.

The last aircraft is due to be delivered in 2015.