Eurocopter AS 532

history

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The Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar is a twin-engined, medium-weight, multipurpose helicopter. The AS 532 is a further development and upgrade of the Aérospatiale Puma in its militarized form. (Its civilian counterpart is the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma.) The AS 532 has been further developed as the Eurocopter EC 725.

Design and development

The AS 332 Super Puma, designed as a growth version to replace the SA 330 Puma, first flew in September 1977. It was fitted with two 1330 kW Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, composite rotor blades, improved landing gear and a modified tailfin.

In 1990 all military Super Puma designations were changed from AS 332 to AS 532 Cougar to distinguish between the civil and military variants of the helicopter.

Canada had considered purchasing the Cougar to replace their CH-113 Labrador, but opted in the end to purchase the CH-149 Cormorant»Canadian Air Force - CH-149 Cormorant Purhcase and operation details.

Variants

Cougar - UNITAS 47-06]]

AS 532 UL/AL
The AS 532 UL/AL is the long version of the Cougar family and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines. It carries a crew of 2 and up to 29 troops or 6 injured passengers on stretchers plus 10 others. As with the other versions of the Cougar, the AS 532 UL/AL can lift 4.5 tons by means of a sling. The Horizon battlefield ground surveillance system can be installed on the AS 532 UL (utility version). The AS 532 AL (armed version) can also be fitted with a variety of weapons, including pod-mounted 20 mm cannons, 68 mm rocket-launchers and side-mounted rapid fire machine-guns.

AS 532 SC
The AS 532SC is the naval version of the Cougar family and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines. This version is mainly used for Anti-surface unit warfare (ASUW), fitted with AM 39 Exocet missiles; Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), fitted with a variable-depth sonar and torpedoes; Search and rescue; and Sea patrols. For deck landing, securing at high sea states, maneuver and traverse this variant can be fitted with ASIST.

AS 535
French Army Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR or RESCO in French) version.

Operators

(Türk Kara Kuvvetleri) uses several Cougars as a combat search and rescue helicopter.]] .]] .]] .]]

; ; ;
  • The AS 532 is licenced built by Helibras factory in Brazil.http
    //www.helibras.com.br/detProdutos.asp?codProduto=46&linha=M&area=D»http://www.tecnodefesa.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90:comemoracao-dos-30-anos-da-helibras-lanca-projeto-de-producao-do-super-cougar-no-brasil&catid=36:materias&Itemid=54 The Brazilian Armed forces will use the Super Cougar with the Brazilian licenced version of EC-725 Retrieved on July 11, 2009..
  • Bulgarian Air Force - All 8 AS 532 AL tactical transport helicopters now delivered and in service with the Bulgarian Air Force and additional 4 in CSAR-configuration to be delivered by the end of 2009. [http
    //www.eurocopter.com/publications/FO/scripts/newsFO_complet.php?lang=EN&news_id=419 Eurocopter Press Release - Eurocopter Delivers 1st Cougar Helicopter To Bulgaria]
    ;
  • Chilean Navy ; ; ; ;
  • French Air Force ; ;
  • German Air Force 3 AS 532 providing Government Flight Service by the Federal Ministry of Defence for parliamentary purposes and VIP transport. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
  • The Royal Netherlands Air Force operates AS-532U2 (Mk2) helicopters, which are an upgrade to the AS-532UL (expanded version). As of 2009, the 17 helicopters of 300 Squadron of the RNLAF will undergo a mid-life update. ; ; ; ;
    Philippine Air Force
    ; ;
    • Republic of Singapore Air Force :*126 SQN operates 12 AS 532UL helicopters.
  • [»Air Force and Air Defence ;
  • Republic of Korea Air Force
    First introduction Time : July, 1988.

    Specifications (AS 532 UB)

    thumb|right|An Ecuadorian AS 532 Cougar.

    |crew=2 |capacity=20 troops |length main= 15.53 m |length alt= 50 ft 11½ in |length more= (fuselage) |span main= 15.6 m |span alt= 51 ft 2 in |height main= 4.92 m |height alt= 16 ft 2 in |area main=206 m² |area alt= 2,217ft² |airfoil= |empty weight main= 4,350 kg |empty weight alt= 9,590 lb |loaded weight main= |loaded weight alt= |useful load main= 4,650 kg |useful load alt= 10,250 lb |max takeoff weight main= 9,000 kg |max takeoff weight alt= 19,840 lb |more general= |engine (prop)= Turbomeca Makila 1A1 |type of prop= turboshaft |number of props=2 |power main= 1,185 kW |power alt= 1,589 shp |power original= |max speed main= 249 km/h |max speed alt= 134 knots, 154 mph |cruise speed main= 239 km/h |cruise speed alt= 129 knots, 148 mph |stall speed main= |stall speed alt= |never exceed speed main= 278 km/h |never exceed speed alt= 150 knots, 173 mph |range main= 573 km |range alt= 310 nm, 357 mi |ceiling main= 3,450 m |ceiling alt= 11,319 ft |climb rate main= 7.2 m/s |climb rate alt= 1,417 ft/min |loading main= |loading alt= |thrust/weight= |power/mass main= |power/mass alt= |more performance= |armament= |avionics= }}

    See also

    References

    External links

    home | This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. See full license termsIt uses material from the Wikipedia article "Eurocopter_AS_532 ". | compliance | March 21st 2010