The Hungarian Defence Forces have received the first two of 16 H225M multi-purpose tactical transport helicopters on schedule. The helicopter was officially handed over at Szolnok Airbase by Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. Additionally, Airbus is also providing an extensive training and support package to ensure the highest level of operational availability. The H225Ms selected by Hungary are equipped with state-of-the-art communication capabilities and will be used for transport, combat search and rescue, and special operations missions. The Airbus Helicopters H225M (formerly Eurocopter EC725 Caracal) is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use.
“I am very happy that we have delivered the first H225Ms to Hungary today,” said Bruno Even. “The Defence Forces are receiving a combat-proven, multi-role platform, which is the latest version of a very successful helicopter family. Together with the light twin engine H145M, which is already in operation, Hungary now has a modern helicopter fleet that can fly a broad range of military missions, and we are proud that they decided our helicopters were the right choice for their extremely important operations.”
Its advanced avionics and four axis autopilot, exceptional range and payload capacities, combined with a large cabin designed to carry up to 24 troops and powerful air- to-ground and air-to-surface armament as well as electronic warfare systems allow the H225M to carry out the most demanding missions. The helicopter has an all-weather capability supported by its night vision goggle compatibility. A part of the Hungarian H225M fleet will be fitted with the HForce weapon management system, adding air support capabilities thus creating further communality with the Hungarian H145M fleet also equipped with HForce. Flight trials have recently been conducted in Hungary as part of the integration of a gun pod and rocket launchers on the Hungarian H225M.
The H225M Tactical Transport Helicopters is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The H225M was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search and Rescue operations. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian Airbus Helicopters H225 (formerly Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma). A member of the multi-role Super Puma family of helicopters, this military variant is currently operational in France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Kuwait, and Singapore.
