The Tiger program is in its active production phase. As of mid-October 2006,
21 Tigers had been delivered to customers and 35 were being manufactured on
the three assembly lines.
The first Tiger is scheduled to enter squadron service in Pau (France) during the first quarter of 2007. But three of the program’s four customers – the German, French and Spanish armies – are currently undergoing training on the Tiger at the French-German Training Academy in Le Luc en Provence (South of France). At the end of September, thirteen Tigers operated by the academy had already chalked up more than 2000 flight hours in operations performed by all three armies. A team made up of about thirty Eurocopter specialists is responsible for fleet maintenance (technical assistance, maintenance, logistical support and spare parts supplies). At the same time, the Training Academy of Fassberg is training the technicians and engineers who will be working on the most modern combat helicopters in the world. Down under, Australian Aerospace is working together with local partners to provide the Australian Army with the equipment it needs to train its pilots on the Tiger. A major milestone was reached early this year when a flight and mission simulator was delivered to the training academy in Oakey. The initial operational capability of the Australian Tiger fleet should become a reality in mid-2007. In addition, the development of the HAD version with more powerful engines is advancing right on schedule, as per the contract signed on 30 November 2005 between Eurocopter and the OCCAR(1).
FOUR ASSEMBLY LINES
In Marignane (France)
Final assembly of HAP and HAD versions for France and Spain. 11 helicopters currently being assembled, 3 in ground testing, 7 in flight testing(1).
In Donauwörth (Germany)
Final assembly of UHT versions for Germany. 16 helicopters currently being assembled, 4 in ground testing, 2 in flight testing(1).
In Brisbane (Australia)
Final assembly of ARH versions for Australia. 8 helicopters currently being assembled, 3 in ground testing, 5 in flight testing(1).
In Albacete (Spain)
Final assembly of HAD versions for Spain. Operations due to start up in 2007.
