Eurocopter Fennec
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS550 Fennec (now H125M)[1] and AS555 Fennec 2 are lightweight, multipurpose military helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter Group (now Airbus Helicopters). Based on the AS350 Ecureuil and AS355 Ecureuil 2 series, they are named after the fennec fox. The armed versions of the AS550 and AS555 can be fitted with coaxial weapons, rockets, torpedoes and various other munitions.
| AS550 Fennec AS555 Fennec 2 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A Fennec of the French Air and Space Force | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light utility military helicopter |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | French Army Light Aviation |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1990–present |
| Introduction date | 1990 |
| Developed from | Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2 |
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The Fennec's design is centered around its lightweight and compact structure, making it an ideal fit for deployment on ships with helipads, such as destroyers or aircraft carriers. This allows for greater flexibility in mission planning and execution, as the Fennec can be easily transported and deployed from a variety of naval vessels.
The Fennec comes in two distinct variants, each catering to different operational requirements. The single-engine variant is optimized for simplicity, reliability, and reduced maintenance, making it an excellent choice for smaller-scale operations or special forces missions. In contrast, the dual-engine variant offers increased power and redundancy, making it better suited for more demanding missions, such as heavy-lift transport or combat operations.
As a result of the Vienna Treaty,[which?] military variants of the Écureuil were marketed under a separate designation; thus from 1990 onwards the type was marketed as the Fennec.[2]
In February 2007, India selected the AS550 C3 Fennec over the Bell 407 helicopter in a deal for 197 helicopters worth US$500 million.[3] This deal was suspended in June 2007 because of concerns of alleged corruption in the bidding process, and cancelled outright on 6 December 2007.[4] The contract is now being re-competed, and the AS550 C3 is among the helicopters competing for the deal. However India chose Kamov Ka-226T over AS550 C3 in the refreshed tender.[5]
On 20 January 2011, Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL commandos rescued a hijacked Malaysian chemical tanker and its crew from Somali pirates. A Fennec helicopter provided reconnaissance and aerial gunfire to keep the pirate's mother ship at bay while commandos boarded the tanker.[6]
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Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004[21]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Provision for:
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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