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> Step 2 Qualification of the HAP Tiger

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The Tiger is Fully Grown

On 4 July 2006, the Step 2 Qualification (PB 6002 configuration) of the HAP (Combat Support) version of the Tiger was awarded by the Occar Tiger Division (ODT) following the signing of the type certification by the SPAé (Aeronautical Programs Department) on 19 June 2006.

The technical agreements, the new schedule for the production deliveries, and the first evolution of the Standard 1 HAP Tiger (see inset) are reflected in the “Step 2 Qualification Statement”.
This document also includes the agreements concerning fleet support, notably for tools and for spare part procurement and availability.

With this qualification awarded, the objective is to deliver at least four step 2 HAP Tigers by the end of 2006, including the first step 2 HAP (HAP No. 2012) that has been delivereed in August. The delivery of the first Standard 1 HAP (HAP No. 2016) is scheduled for the end of October 2007, and the production of the Standard 1 series will begin from January 2008.
With this solid technical base, the Tiger is now entering its maturity phase, which means the first Step 2 helicopters can be delivered to the Armed Forces, and their entry into service in the regiments based in Pau scheduled for the first half of 2007.

They will be fully operational by mid 2008. The qualification of the UHT (German Combat Support) version will be announced towards the end of 2006 due to non-finalized negotiations with the German customer concerning different technical and calendar issues relating to the delivery of their helicopters in the step 2 configuration (PBL 002). In July, the UHT Tiger 1002 was delivered to the German Air Force for troop trials.

Christian Da Silva

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The step 2 version integrates the Tiger Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) with radar and laser warning detectors and a chaff dispenser. The Step 2 also has new basic and mission software versions that comply with the final status specified for the man-machine interfaces. Moreover, improvements have been made to the sub-systems (navigation, autopilot, digital mapping, and mission systems). An integrated maintenance and surveillance tests system (OSTM) has also been introduced.

François Bourzeix and Claudius Zwicker, Tiger Chief Engineers, in front of the first Step 2 HAP Tiger. The qualification required the integration of 200 modifications with reference to the Step 1 configuration and changes to the electronic documentation.

The Standard 1 has several new functionalities. The new systems include the commissioning of the French Data Link (data link system) and the integration of a radiation meter. Changes have also been made to the navigation system (introduction of a WGS 84 geodesic coordinates system), the countermeasures equipment, and the interrogator friend or foe (IFF). Furthermore, a naval version of the aircraft for ship-based operations has been produced (qualification campaign scheduled for November 2006). This naval version is equipped with an engine rinsing system.