Airbus showcasing advanced helicopters and defsec tech at MSPO
Above:
A Tiger and EC725 in flight.
© Copyright Amelie Laurin - 2014
The Group will have a major presence incorporating a static display for real helicopters, a hospitality area, meeting rooms and a large stand to display equipment and welcome government delegations. The Airbus Group stand area will feature a number of important mock-ups including the new locally developed PZL 130 Orlik multi-purpose trainer aircraft, the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) refuelling aircraft and the maritime patrol variant of the C295 multi-mission transport aircraft.
“Our presence at MSPO demonstrates the importance we attach to Poland and its defence and security modernisation programme. We believe Poland is more than a market to trade with; this is a nation taking its place at the heart of Europe with strategic ambitions to match. Airbus Group wants to be Poland’s industrial partner of choice, and building on our existing strong roots, we are offering advanced technology and long-term collaboration for mutual benefit,” said Marwan Lahoud, Airbus Group Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer.
Marking its premier appearance in Poland, the EC665 Tiger HAD attack helicopter will join the multi-mission EC725 Caracal on display at MSPO. With a proven combat mission record, including side-by-side deployments with the French Army in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali under extreme and challenging conditions, the two aircraft have already demonstrated their unique performance, reliability and interoperability.
“With two modern, combat proven and interoperable rotorcraft, Airbus Helicopters is able to offer a comprehensive solution to meet the full needs of the Polish Armed Forces,” said Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “We are ready to ramp-up our existing cooperation with Poland’s aerospace industry and research institutions in order to provide a consistent, sustainable and structured end-to-end industrial capacity.”
Airbus Helicopters’ NATO-interoperable EC725 Caracal is proposed for Poland’s acquisition of new multi-role helicopters, with the rotorcraft able to perform a wide range of missions. These missions range from special operations to combat search and rescue, tactical transport and medical evacuation as well as a full range of maritime roles. One type of helicopter thus enables Poland to autonomously defend its territory and deploy its forces wherever and whenever needed. Since its entry into operational service in 2005, the EC725 Caracal has been operational with the military forces of France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and in the near future several other undisclosed nations. Its reliability and durability have been endorsed in crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting France’s role during NATO-led operations in Libya.
