H225M
As the latest member of Airbus’ military Super Puma/Cougar family, the 11-metric-tonne H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan, Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, Somalia and Mali, while also supporting NATO-led operations in Libya. The H225M is relied upon as a force multiplier by France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Singapore and Thailand.
A combat-proven multi-role helicopter
As a true multi-purpose and versatile military asset, the H225M enables military forces to deploy wherever and whenever needed. Operating both from ships and from land, even in icing conditions, this helicopter has an all-weather capability supported by night vision goggle compatibility.
The helicopter’s outstanding 700 NM range can be extended with air-to-air or hover in-flight refuelling capabilities.
Powered by two powerful Makila 2A1 engines, the H225M’s five-blade rotor provides an exceptionally low vibration level, and the modular Spheriflex design of rotor mechanical assemblies allows for lower maintenance.
The H225M excels in a full range of military missions:
• Special operations
• Combat search and rescue
• Tactical transport
• Casualty / medical evacuation
As well as in public service missions:
• Search and rescue (SAR)
• Fire fighting
• Coast Guard
• Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) protection
A pilot’s machine
The H225M is equipped with avionics and communication systems that reduce crew workload while enhancing mission capability and safety. Airbus has incorporated significant advances in terms of the human-machine interface, ensuring pilots have access to the most important information for the most effective decision-making.
The H225M’s 4-axis dual-duplex automatic flight control system (AFCS) provides outstanding precision and stability; its upper modes integrate the engine limitations in all-engines operative (AEO) and one-engine inoperative (OEI) situations. The AFCS also includes SAR patterns, IFR procedures, and automatic approaches, and allows for fully automatic hovering whatever the speed.
At a glance, the flight crew has access to all navigation and piloting data through the new glass cockpit featuring four 10” x 8” enlarged displays, as well as ground proximity, traffic collision avoidance and electronic warfare information, and alerts are displayed automatically only when necessary.
Survivability
Using the proven military heritage of Airbus’ Puma and Super Puma rotorcraft, the H225M was designed and is equipped for high survivability. Its airframe has reinforced structural main frames and is equipped with high energy-absorbing landing gear, along with self-sealing and crashworthy fuel tanks.
Cockpit protection is provided by armoured and energy-absorbing crew seats, while the cabin can be equipped with armour plating in the floors and walls or fitted with armour-plated carpets. The rotor blades’ multi-box construction enhances their resistance to bullet impacts.
Contributing to the H225M’s survivability is a radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system, laser warning receiver and chaff/flare dispensers. The engine exhausts can be fitted with infrared suppressors, with protection against sand and ice provided by inlet design and multi-purpose air intakes.
Armament
The H225M, like the H145M and H125M, can be equipped with HForce, an armament system common to these aircraft.
Four different packages offer customers a choice of armament to expand the capability of the aircraft from that of ballistic weapons to the use of guided ammunition with firing through electro-optical system (EOS) or helmet mounted sight display (HMSD).
Easy maintenance
From home base to the most remote locations, Airbus conceived the H225M with maintainability in mind.
The Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines are of modular design for easy maintenance, and Airbus’ Spheriflex® fiberglass main rotor head is easy to adjust. The airframe includes a built-in step to access the engines.
Overall maintenance information is provided through the integrated health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).
See the HCare Service section for additional information on support services.
Tactical transport and utility
The high load capacity and easy cabin access of the H225M, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility make this aircraft the perfect tactical transport helicopter for troops and cargo.
Its large cabin and heavy-lift performance enables the rotorcraft to carry up to 28 troops/personnel in cabin seats, or up to 14 troops/personnel on energy-absorbing wall-mounted seats. Operations are facilitated by two large sliding cargo doors and two large sliding windows, which leave the main cabin doors unobstructed.
For cargo transport missions, the H225M’s high-density cabin floor accommodates a sizeable internal load, while the maximum external load sling capacity is 4,750 kg.
Search and rescue
Search and rescue (SAR) missions require a fast, high-performance helicopter able to function in all weather conditions. The H225M can achieve these missions when other rotorcraft can’t deliver, offering superior performance, endurance, range and safety.
Able to take off in less than five minutes, followed by high-speed cruise, the H225M reaches the scene rapidly, and is ready for a quick return to base when the assignment is completed.
Its low vibration levels provide an excellent environment for crew and passengers – which is important for crew efficiency on long missions and during the care of patients – while also reducing airframe and equipment fatigue.
For the most demanding missions such as combat SAR or prolonged SAR missions, the air-to-air or hover-in-flight refuelling options allow the range or endurance to be extended further.
MEDEVAC/CASEVAC
The H225M’s high load capacity and easy cabin access, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility make this aircraft well-suited for medical evacuation and casualty evacuation duties (medevac/casevac).
Up to 11 stretchers and four attendants can be installed. Another possibility is the transport of two self-contained medical units with attendants.