Ostrawa 2025-09-26
Eurocopter Tiger.
The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter designed for combat operations. The prototype first flew on April 27, 1991. The helicopter is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter. Airbus Helicopters was formed by the merger of the helicopter divisions of Aérospatiale and DASA. The helicopter’s factory designation is EC.665. The Eurocopter Tiger helicopter features a conventional layout, powered by two turbine engines. It entered service in 2003. As of 2019, 180 units have been built. The helicopter is in service with the militaries of France, Germany, Spain, and Australia.
Helicopter development.
The development of the helicopter began in the 1980s, during the Cold War. In 1984, the governments of France and West Germany concluded an agreement to build a common helicopter platform. Its primary mission was to destroy Soviet armored vehicles after Moscow’s attack on the West. The individual national versions were to differ in equipment and weaponry. A joint venture consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB was established to implement the program. However, it turned out that a joint program (France and West Germany) would be more expensive than if each country developed its own helicopter (?). In 1986, the program was canceled.
After several months, the program was re-evaluated. As a result, the contract was extended indefinitely, which, however, disadvantaged private companies that wanted to become shareholders, as they might not see any profits. Only Thomson CSF remained in the electronics business. The program was revived in November 1987. A single design office was established, comprising engineers from France and the Federal Republic of Germany. At this point, greater emphasis was placed on the attack helicopter’s anti-tank capabilities. In 1989, a funding agreement was signed for the program, leading to the launch of two production lines, at the Aerospatiale plant in Marignane and the MBB plant in Donauwörth, respectively. It was decided to build five prototypes. The first Tiger helicopter prototype made its maiden flight on April 27, 1991. However, by the time the EC.665 helicopter made its maiden flight, the CCCP had collapsed and the Warsaw Pact was dissolved. The helicopter program was planned to be terminated.
Ultimately, after several months, France and Germany decided to continue the program, modifying it. The goal was to expand the helicopter’s combat capabilities. However, program funding was inconsistent, significantly prolonging research and development.
In 1992, Aérospatiale and MBB merged to form the Eurocopter Group. This led to significant consolidation of the aviation industry and the Tiger project itself. However, work progressed slowly. It was not until 1996 that a new generation of basic anti-tank missile for the helicopter was selected.
At that time, Turkey was interested in joining the Tiger program. However, subsequent controversy between France and Germany led to Turkey withdrawing from possible participation.
On June 18, 1999, Germany and France publicly placed orders for the first batch of 160 Tiger helicopters, 80 for each country, worth €3.3 billion. On March 22, 2002, the first production helicopter was rolled out. In subsequent years, the number of helicopters ordered was reduced. In 2008, the helicopters achieved combat readiness.
At that time (2010), the price of a single Eurocopter Tiger helicopter was $55-65 million. The helicopter was offered to numerous countries, but ultimately only Spain and Australia purchased it. The helicopter usually lost out to the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter. The Polish Army was also offered the Tiger helicopter, replacing its Mil Mi-24 helicopters. However, Poland never expressed any significant interest in this design.
Eurocopter Tiger Design:
The helicopter is built in a conventional configuration. It lacks a cargo hold and is not suitable for evacuating wounded soldiers or delivering ammunition to defenders.
The Tiger has a “glass cockpit” with tandem seating and is operated by a two-person crew; the pilot occupies the front seat, and the gunner sits in the rear. Each crew member can operate the weapon systems or basic flight controls, switching roles as needed. The Tiger’s fuselage is made of 80% carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and Kevlar, 11% aluminum, and 6% titanium. The entire tail section is made of composites, including the one-piece tail boom. The rotors consist of four blades and are made of fiberglass composite. The helicopter’s fuselage structure incorporates copper and bronze mesh and foil, which act as a negative mass, protecting against lightning and electrical surges.
The Tiger’s protection systems incorporate “stealth” features. Aspects such as visual, radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures have been minimized. The use of composite materials in the airframe has resulted in reduced radar echo cross-section (RCS), infrared, and acoustic signatures. The helicopter’s fuselage is armored and designed to withstand small arms fire and 23 mm (0.91 in) cannon rounds. The helicopter is equipped with various radar and laser warning and detection systems for incoming missiles.
The helicopter is powered by two MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turbine engines controlled by FADEC. Each engine produces 972 kW (1,303 hp). The main gearbox is designed for 60 minutes of dry run in the event of a lubrication loss. The fuel tanks are self-sealing.
The core element of the helicopter’s sighting system is the “Osiris” optoelectronic head, typically mounted on a mast above the rotor. It can also be mounted on the helicopter’s roof below the rotor. The crew can use helmet-mounted sights.
T-T Tiger data:
Crew of two pilots. Fuselage length: 14.08 m (46 ft 2 in). Height: 3.83 m (12 ft 7 in). Main rotor diameter: 13.00 m (42 ft 8 in). Main rotor area 132.75 m² (1,428.9 ft²). Empty weight 3,060 kg (6,746 lb). Takeoff weight 5,090 kg (11,222 lb). Maximum weight 6,000 kg (13,228 lb). Fuel 1,080 kg (2,381 lb). Maximum speed 290 km/h (180 mph, 160 kn). Range 800 km (500 mi, 430 nautical miles). Ferry range 1,300 km (810 mi, 700 nautical miles). Service ceiling 4,000 m (13,000 ft). Rate of climb 10.7 m/s (2,110 ft/min). Armament: One 30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 cannon. 450 rounds. Four weapon mounts.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman