CHOPPERS

nnnnnnThe Tiger/Tigre, dues its double name to the two countries which signed an arrangement for the design of a new AT (Anti Tank) Attack Helicopter in 1984. The German-French project flew for the first time in 1991. It has a two men seat configuration, with the Co-Pilot/Gunner at the front and the pilot at the rear. As an order for ther French Army, it was developed the HAP model, as a Escort/fire chopper.

The Tiger UHT is a multi-role fire support helicopter. The Trigat Fire and Forget missiles and/or the Hot missiles it carries offer anti-tank capability, while 68-mm rockets ensure air-to-ground fire support. A 12.7 mm air-to-air gun pod and air-to-air Stinger missiles can also be installed. The helicopter also features a mast-mounted sight with a second-generation IRCCD infrared channel and a TV channel, as well as a nose-mounted IRCCD control FLIR for the pilot. Countermeasures include radar/laser/missiles launch/missile approach warning receivers and decoy launchers.

There is still another model, with increased AT capability, the HAC. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 1999. The HAP model fits FLIR (Forward-Looking-Infra-Red), and a Laser Range Finder. It has a 30 mm undernose cannon, and can fit AAs missile or AT missile on up to 4 underwing stations. The HAC will count with up to 8 ATGMs and 4 AAMs. The Tiger HAC is an anti-tank helicopter which supports the same equipments as the Tiger UHT.

The Tiger HAP

is an air-to-air combat and fire support medium-weight (6 tonnes) helicopter fitted with 2 MTR 390 engines. It is daytime and night combat capable and is operable in NBC environments. Three basic parameters were taken into account right from thestart of the development phase: low (visual, radar and infrared) detectability, which provides excellent survivability on the battlefield, maximum efficiency of the weapons and the associated fire control systems without heavier workload for the crew, and an optimized logistic concept offering minimum possession costs. The Tiger HAP is fitted with a 30-mm gun turret; 68-mm submunition rockets, and air-to-air Mistral missiles. It also features a firing sight with 3 sensors: infrared, TV camera and direct optical channel. The complete avionics suite includes multi-purpose color displays and radar/laser warning receivers.

TECH DATA:

Dimensions: Length: 45 ft. Height: 14 ft. Diameter of the Main Rotor: 42 ft. Weights: Empty: 7.300 lbs. Mission: 12000 lb. Overload: 13200 l. Powerplant: 2 x 958 KW MTU/Rolls-Royce Turbomeca MTR 390 Turboshafts. (1.258 shp). Armament: (HAP model) 1 x GIAT AM-30781 30 mm cannon, 4 x Mistral AMs, 2 x 22 round 68 mm rocket pods, plus 2 x 12 round Rocket Pods. Performance: Cruising Speed: 155-175 mph. Max. Climb Rate. 1900 ft/min. Flght time: 2 h 50 min. (with fuel ) reserves