Press Release
12/17/1998
Tiger helicopter, two new successful Mistral air-to-air firing tests
Tiger helicopter, two new successful Mistral air-to-air firing tests
The Tiger helicopter has just confirmed its air combat capacities through two successful consecutive Mistral (Matra Bae Dynamics France) air-to-air firing tests in conditions which were taken as representative of operational situations.
The missiles were fired from the second HAP prototype on the 14th and 15th of December at the Test Centre of the "Landes", in France, with a mixed aircrew from the Flight Test Centre and Eurocopter.
The first test was performed at long range, with the fighter (Tiger) in fast homing flight, by means of the Strix sight from the S.F.I.M company, on the infrared channel. The target was an Alouette II helicopter at ground runup (landing gear on ground, rotor turning).
The day after, a second missile was fired on a remote controlled air target designated through the helmet-mounted sight (from the Sextant company). The fighter was manoeuvring: turn, with a high rate of descent, simulating an opportunity firing.
With these tests, the number of fully successful Mistral missile firing tests from the HAP Tiger amounts to three. Two firing tests in order to complement combat scenarios which can be envisioned are scheduled for the Spring 1999. They will enable the finalisation of the qualification tests for this weapon system, which is unmatched amongst the competitors.
The development work for the Tiger helicopter was initiated with the execution of the main development agreement in November 1989. It has now being practically completed. The various steps in the programme have been achieved in keeping with the assigned budgets and time schedules.
The proper progress of the programme is confirmed by these new firing tests. The Tiger is now the highest performing combat helicopter worldwide. As such, it features outstanding flexibility and mission versatility.
It must be kept in mind that the Franco-German Memorandum of Understanding executed in Berlin in last May plans a purchase order for a first batch of 160 helicopters, 80 of which for Germany and 80 for France. The global needs remain unchanged : 212 helicopters for Germany and 215 for France.
For further information, please contact :
| Jean-Louis Espes
or Philippe Liardet (in France) Tel: (+33) 4 42 85 95 55 Fax: (+33) 4 42 85 95 64 |
Christina Gotzhein
(in Germany) Tel: (+49 89) 6000 6488 Fax: (+49 89) 6000 4437 |