• Mission

Main description

A multi-role helicopter,
tailor-made for tomorrow’s Armed Forces
The EC645 is the brand new military version of the successful EC145, the latest medium-sized (3.5 ton), twin-engine Eurocopter helicopter.
It is the answer to an increasing demand for a cost effective multi-role helicopter common to both military and paramilitary forces.
The modern and versatile EC645, with its large range of optional equipment, provides outstanding flexibility for all missions (from light utility to armed).

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  Cabin width : 5.45 ft / 1.66 m

  

  As a true workhorse, the EC645 excels in utility missions, with a ratio between maximum take-off weight and empty equipped weight of almost 2 to 1. Moreover, its spacious and unobstructed cabin gives the EC645 unrivaled modularity and makes it easily reconfigurable, using the two rows of rails in the flat floor, for maximum mission flexibility. Installation of seats, hoist, stretchers, medical equipment and cargo hook give to the EC645 an unmatched flexibility for utility missions. Based on the civil EC145 cousin, the EC645 comes with a wide range of options to ensure a safe and comfortable transport of authorities and dignitaries.

  The large sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors, along with its high-set main and tail rotors, offer 360° approachability which provide unparalleled safety, access and space utilization – for the loading/ unloading of armament, passengers or cargo.

  For MEDEVAC/CASEVAC missions, the EC645 has a spacious and unobstructed cabin with a flat floor and rear access doors capable of loading and unloading stretchers and medical equipment. Developed from its world beating cousin, that sets the standard for civil MEDEVAC and EMS work, the EC645 offers this outstanding capability to the battlefield commander, in an armed helicopter

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  The EC645 is an excellent platform for Command/Control/Communication (C3) and Airborne Battlefield Management (ABM), bristling with the latest in communication equipment.

  The large cabin space within the EC645 allows for one or two Tactical Coordinators (TACCO), with their respective system consoles, to operate comfortably and effectively, for assessing the overall battlefield.

  Equipped with a full sensor suite, the EC645 can easily obtain a digitalization of the battlefield and coordinate with friendly air, ground and naval forces.

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  Guided Missiles

  • 12 Tube Rocket Launcher
  • 7 Tube Rocket Launcher
  • 20 mm Gun Pod
  • 12.7 mm Gun Pod

   

    

  Thanks to its high level of versatility, the EC645 is also the weapon of choice for armed reconnaissance and close combat attack missions.

  It embeds a sophisticated array of sighting and targeting equipment through the Stand-Alone Weapon System (SAWS) developed in cooperation with ATE. Inherent flexible and manoeuvrable, the EC645 offers a wide choice of armament configurations thanks to its two external multi-purpose pylons which make the EC645 a true force multiplier.

  The pylons can be slaved in elevation to the HSMD or the EO/IR system line of sight for outstanding accuracy.

  They can be fitted with a wide selection of armament, ranging from ballistic -gun pod and unguided rocketsto guided -air to ground missiles and laser guided rockets- weapons.

  The SAWS embeds:

  • A multipurpose mission computer
  • An EO/IR with Infra Red camera, TV and laser range finder for observation, acquisition and tracking of targets
  • A ballistic targeting system based on a Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (option)
  • 2 multi purpose weapon carriers with slaving units and release units
  • A choice of weapon: gunpod, unguided and guided rockets and air-to-ground missiles.
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  Already qualified for deck operations

  The maritime missions cover: Anti-Surface Warfare (search, identify, classify, mark and attack), naval utility, vertical replenishment, protection of economic strategic assets, protection of coastline, territorial waters and international waterways, inspection and boarding (e.g. anti-piracy/anti-smuggling) and search and rescue. Equipped with a search radar and Anti-Surface Warfare systems (ASuW), the EC645 can extend the ship’s radius of action well over the horizon.

  Moreover, its high endurance and payload capacity make it an ideal helicopter for operations at sea: coast guard, maritime patrol, littoral warfare and search and rescue. The EC645 can be equipped with the appropriate options, such as emergency floatation, an external hoist system and much more in order to fill out any mission requirements. Moreover, the ergonomic design of the EC645 allows for quick and easy modifications so as to tackle any specific need.

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  New beam

  

  One or two (one per side) 7.62 mm pintle machine-guns or one 12.7 mm pintle machine-gun can be fitted

  In the air assault or troop transport configuration, the EC645 can be equipped with a variety of defensive armaments and systems, in order to meet any battlefield or peacekeeping challenge.

  The classical door gunners’ positions with two 7.62 mm machine-guns provide arcs of almost 360° for suppressive fire (alternatively one 12.7 mm machine-gun can be fitted).

  The EC645 takes advantage of its large cabin volume to transport up to 10 fully equipped troops.

   

  Special operations

  Fast, flexible, quiet, compact, manoeuvrable, and with a massive cabin, the EC645 is the ideal aircraft for Special Operations (rapid roping, abseiling or direct assault).

  Its small footprint gives safe and easy access to confined areas.

  The typical Special Operations configuration combines machine-guns and accomodation for a fully-equipped combat team, able to operate by day and night.

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  The long flight endurance of the EC645 makes it an ideal platform for SAR. Moreover, the day and night capability is complemented by a fully autonomous navigation system. Equipped with:

  • Redundant hydraulic system and electrical circuits
  • 3-axis autopilot
  • Hoist system with 90 m cable and 272 kg (600 lbs) capacity
  • Search and weather radar
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  ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) missions can be easily performed thanks to a selection of equipment.

  A choice of stabilized EO/IR system /sights from various suppliers is available. The images can be then analysed by the weapons system officer (WSO) on the copilot side. The avionics system or the optional HMSD can cue the sight, and by employing target tracking and a laser range finder, the target coordinates can be acquired and retained while maintaining helicopter manoeuvrability.

  The derived coordinates of the target of interest can be overlaid on the digital map. Targeting data can be transmitted by data/video link to other assets (e.g. ground forces, headquarters, UAV, airborne C³ platforms) supporting the scouting operation. The onboard digital video recorder allows for the simultaneous playback and annotation of a video, while video recording continues.

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  Chaffs/Flares dispenser

  

  Floor ballistic protection

  

  Cockpit ballistic protection

   

  Electronic Warfare System

   

    

  To deal with the modern, asymmetric battlefield, the EC645 can be equipped with state-of-the-art counter-measure suite.

  The Electronic Warfare System (EWS) automatically warns of missile launches, targeting lasers and radars.

  The system may be preprogrammed or programmed in flight to cope with emerging battlefield threats, greatly improving the crews’ situational awareness, and thus, their safety.

  The aircraft is equipped with wire strike protection and an armor kit against small arms threats.

  This additional ballistic protection can be mounted on the floor and in the cockpit, ensuring maximum survivability for the personnel.

  The EC645 has a crashworthiness fuselage and energy absorbing seats for crew and troops.

  Additional features such as crash resistant, self-sealing fuel tanks and emergency floatation ensure that the EC645 is one of the safest helicopters.

  System redundancy:

  • Fuel system
  • Hydraulic system
  • Electric system
  • Lubrication for the main transmission
  • AFlight control systems