Combat helicopters have long become regular participants in all more or less noticeable wars and conflicts, and their comparison is part of any decent near-military dispute. But the battles around the veterans cold war” is long overdue for completion, so today we will compare the Russian Ka-52 and the European Tiger.

... Moreover, ours were going to buy another 114 "52s".

Who is who

The development of a new generation Soviet combat helicopter began back in 1976, and on June 17, 1982, the first copy of the B-80 took off, a single-seat coaxial combat helicopter, known under the Ka-50 index and the nickname "Black Shark". By the second half of the 2000s, funding had improved, and the military decided that they liked the two-seat version of the car, the Ka-52, better. It was put into serial production and launched. Ka-52 (photo: Anton Petrov)

The European "Tiger" also began with the development of the 1970s, but the car took a long time to get to the first flight. The Tiger flew for the first time only in 1991, and its deliveries to customers began after another 10 years.
Eurocopter Tiger (photo: Mark Broekhans)

Let's go.

Flight qualities

Ka-52 is faster (almost 30 kilometers per hour), noticeably more maneuverable (thanks to the coaxial scheme) and in fact is the most "flying" of attack helicopters Today. The range of both machines is approximately the same - about 400 kilometers. However, the Tiger uses less fuel for this: the internal reserve is 1080 kilograms versus 1487 for the Ka-52. No wonder that the maximum takeoff weight is also seriously different: 10800 kilograms for Kamov versus 6000 for the Tiger.

Ka-52 - 5
"Tiger" - 4

Vitality and security

Traditionally for domestic combat helicopters, the Ka-52 is well booked: 350 kilograms fall on the protection of the cabin, engines and a number of other important components are also protected. But relying only on armor is no longer fashionable. The helicopters receive the Vitebsk airborne defense system, which is capable of detecting laser radiation and missile launches. The complex includes an automatic control system, an active jamming station for radars, a protection system against missiles with thermal heads, “blinding” them with a laser searchlight, and traditional fired “traps”.

If nothing helped, both Ka-52 pilots have ejection seats, while the propeller blades are fired first.

In the event of a fall inside the cabin (if the accident occurred at a low altitude), passive safety equipment absorbs a significant part of the impact energy and preserves the health of the pilots.
Ka-52 (photo: Ivan Savitsky)

European booking is noticeably easier. a large share occupied by carbon fiber and Kevlar. The main focus is on the reduced visibility of the vehicle in all ranges, as well as on the onboard defense system, which, like the Russian Vitebsk, protects the helicopter from missiles with radar, laser and infrared guidance. In addition, the "Tiger" is additionally protected from an electromagnetic pulse (the machine was developed at the time of the expectation of a nuclear war in Europe). The Tiger does not have ejection seats, but the cockpit and seats are also designed to mitigate the effect of a “hard landing”.

Ka-52 - 4.5
"Tiger" - 4

Firepower

Both helicopters carry a cannon and outboard armament. Let's compare. The Ka-52 is armed with a 30-mm 2A42 machine gun with belt feed, the rate of fire is adjustable in the range of 550-800 rounds per minute, the ammunition includes high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing shells. On the "Tiger" - also a 30-mm GIAT 30M in the "helicopter" version 781 (characterized by reduced muzzle energy and charge power), so that the light helicopter does not "sausage" after each short burst.

Ours did not bother - what is there, 11 tons in a helicopter - and left the characteristics of the gun, originally borrowed from an infantry fighting vehicle, unchanged.

In favor of the French product - a more flexible change in the rate of fire, from 300 to 2500 rounds per minute. In ours - a heavier projectile (almost 400 grams versus 240) and a large starting speed: 970 meters per second versus 810, which gives higher accuracy and range.
Eurocopter Tiger

The basis of the arsenal of any decent anti-tank helicopter (and these are the main tasks for both the Ka-52 and the Tiger) are guided missiles. The "main caliber" of the Ka-52 is the "Whirlwind" - a heavy laser-guided ATGM with a flight range of up to 8 kilometers and a speed of under 2200 kilometers per hour. The missile control system allows you to fix the laser beam on the target immediately before hitting, this dramatically reduces the likelihood of a successful countermeasure.

For a European, the main anti-tank system is TRIGAT-LR (no less long-suffering than the helicopter itself - it has been developed for almost forty years!). Combined IR/TV guidance system, 7 km range, maximum speed about 1050 km/h.

Have you been working on this for forty years? It was necessary to take the Hellfire from the Americans and not be dishonored. The Australians - the first buyers of the "Tiger" - by the way, they took it.

In addition to anti-tank missiles, both vehicles can carry air-to-air missiles (actually suspended under the console launchers of portable air defense systems), unguided rockets and machine-gun containers. The total arsenal on the Ka-52 is noticeably larger due to its greater mass: up to 2300 kilograms versus 1500 for the Tiger.

Ka-52 - 4.5
"Tiger" - 3

Onboard electronics

Oddly enough, but the capabilities of both machines in this part are close. They have advanced flight and navigation systems that provide flights in adverse weather conditions and at any time of the day. Both helicopters are equipped with "glass" cockpits with liquid crystal displays, both have helmet-mounted target designation systems.

Pilots can aim their weapons at a target by turning their heads.

The capabilities of the Ka-52 systems have been tested in combat in Syria. The "Tiger" has its own campaign - helicopters of this type were used in Mali, but not very successfully. One car was lost in a crash, the pilots died. For some reason, the Tigers were not sent to Syria and Iraq. Let's consider it a coincidence.
Cabin of Ka-52 (photo: Vladislav Dmitrenko)

Ka-52 - 4.5
"Tiger" - 4.5

Reliability and serviceability

The serviceability of the Ka-52 fleet is estimated at more than 90 percent. These are reliable cars with a proven power plant, and there were no problems with them after a couple of incidents in the first years of operation.

"Tiger" is still the princess and the pea, with a park readiness of 25-30%.

Failures regularly occur both in the electronic systems of the helicopter and in the mechanical part, which greatly disappoints users. As a result, the Germans and Australians are already looking for replacement options for their "electronic miracle". The French are holding on.
Eurocopter Tiger

Ka-52 - 5
"Tiger" - 3

Price

The cost of the Ka-52 "for itself" is about 900 million rubles apiece, for export - about 20 million dollars (excluding the price of ammunition, maintenance, training of pilots, technicians, and other things that can double the price, or even higher). The "Tiger", as it should be for a decent Western car, is more expensive - more than $ 40 million for a helicopter (without the same additions).
Ka-52 (photo: Nikolai Krasnov)

It is clear why the "Tigers" - in addition to the French, Germans and Spaniards who originally subscribed to them - only 22 pieces were sold for export in a decade and a half. More than fifty Ka-52s have already been shipped, and this is clearly not the limit - especially after the Syrian "demonstration flights".

Ka-52 - 4
"Tiger" - 2.5.

So, like everything counted? Well, yes, probably. What is the result? As a result, we have

The helipad would be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. During its long period of development of the country the Soviet Union collapsed but France and Germany decided to continue with the Tiger, developing it instead as a multi-role attack helicopter. It reached operational readiness in 2008.

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the earliest models also include other additional functions, such as cockpit glass, stealth technology and high maneuverability to enhance its survivability. Improved variants have since been put into service, equipped with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. With the introduction of this service type, tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.

development

Origin and early development

In 1984, the French and West German authorities issued a requirement for advanced helicopter battlefield versatility. A joint venture between Aerospatiale and MOU was subsequently selected as the preferred supplier. In 1986 the development program was effectively canceled due to increasing costs; she had officially calculated that supplying the German troops with an equivalent number of US-made McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache helicopters would be a significantly cheaper alternative to proceed with the development of the Tiger. According to statements by French Defense Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the joint effort had become more expensive than a separate national program and was also predicted to take longer to complete. In July 1986, a government report to the project argued that development had become distancing itself from the requirements and preferences of its military customers.

France and Germany have reorganized the program, including such moves as the adoption of fixed-term contracts, placing greater financial risk on the private firms involved. Thomson CSF also took over much of the development work on the e-Tiger, such as visual systems and sensors. Despite early development problems and political uncertainty between 1984 and 1986, the program was officially relaunched in November 1987; it was at this point that a greater emphasis on helicopter attack anti-tank capabilities occurred. Much of the project's organizational structure was quickly rebuilt between 1987 and 1989; such as the installation of the Franco-German Helicopter Office to act as the program's executive body in May 1989.

In November 1989, Eurocopter signed an agreement that financially secured most of the development of the helicopter up to series production, including the arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at the Marignana Aerospatial plane and MBB at the Donauwörth facility. This same arrangement also included the production of five Tiger prototypes. Three of these were to act as unarmed test sites the other two as armed combat prototypes with one for the French escort helicopter variant and the other for the German anti-tank variant. The first prototype took the Tiger's first flight on April 27, 1991, which lasted for 30 minutes.

design

review

The Tiger is capable of conducting a wide range of combat missions, including armed reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-tank and close air support, escort and protection of friendly assets; and can operate during the day and night in all weather conditions, and was designed to include nuclear, biological or chemical weapons cleanup operations. The Tiger can also be used in the marine environment, capable of operating from the decks of ships including frigates and in extreme weather conditions. Among the notable qualities of the Tiger, he has a very high level maneuverability, much of which is attributed to the design of its 13-meter-high four-blade hingeless main rotor; The tiger can perform full cycles and negative G maneuvers. Power is provided by a pair of FADEC controlled MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.

Tiger in flight, 2012

The Tiger has a "cockpit glass" tandem seat and is driven by a two-man crew; the pilot is in a forward position, with the gunner seated behind. Any of the crew members can operate weapons systems or primary flight control, switching roles if necessary; in addition to the aircraft's flight, the Tiger's pilot would typically be overseen by self-defense systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapon functions. While some of the weapons use dedicated control interfaces, such as the anti-tank Trigat air-to-air missile, the weapons can be controlled using the controls on both sets of collective and cyclic sticks.

Crew new to the Tiger must undergo significant retraining due to differences from older platforms, particularly in the area of ​​higher workload management and additional capabilities provided by type; one of the main changes from previous attack helicopters is a much higher degree of autonomy. According to Andrew Warner, chief test pilot in the development of the Tiger, this is "the easiest aircraft handling I have ever flown".

System cost (helicopter, armament, support) and unit cost vary between variants; The Australia Tiger ARH has a unit price of A$68M, the latest Tiger HAD variant is valued at US$44-48M.

survival

The Tiger is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe. The fuselage of the Tiger is made of 80% CFRP and Kevlar, 11% aluminum and 6% titanium. All tail parts are made of composite materials, including one section of the tail boom. The rotors are made of a composite fiber plastic material capable of withstanding battle damage and bird strikes. The structure of the Tiger also includes protection against lightning strikes and electromagnetic pulses with built-in copper/bronze and copper bonding foil mesh.

The design of the Tiger includes a high degree of crash dignity; many of the onboard systems are redundant and separated to minimize the effect of damage. Propulsion system components such as the rotors and drive shaft were deliberately designed for greater ballistic tolerance than traditional designs; the box is rated to be able to run dry for 60 minutes if lubrication is lost. Fuel is contained in two main internal fuel tanks, while two more smaller tanks are housed inside the wing stubs. The fuel tanks have a self-sealing capability to reduce vulnerability. In the harsh theater environment of Afghanistan, the Tiger was reported to have an operational availability of 90%.

Avionics and weapons

Tiger Cab Forward GAP

Among the aircraft's key avionics features are EUROGRID battlefield control and mapping systems, integrated communications (HF/VHM/FM radio and satellite) and data links, a high power digital automatic flight control system, and redundant MIL 1553 data buses. Two backup mission computers for weapons control, sensors and targeting functions. The Tiger's navigation suite includes GPS, Duplicate Inertial Referencing, Doppler Radar, split air data blocks, a radio altimeter, and distributed airspeed sensors. A dedicated nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor is used by the pilot for night-time flight.

Each crew member has a pair of multi-function liquid crystal data displays in their control station, typically used to display internal systems information and sensor data, and to interact with the aircraft's higher systems. An additional display system is available for both crew in the form of a helmet-mounted display (HMD). The GMD is used by the flying signal pilot to display key flight data from digitally processed optics, such as night vision or infrared images from sensors stacked against each other; the gunner can use the HMD to interact with and control the weapon's onboard systems and attitude representation data.

Mast above head rotor with Osiris system.

Perhaps the most important single avionics system fitted to the Tiger is the ICC Osiris gunsight/sensor; this includes an optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser rangefinder/tracker/target designator, and several gyroscopes for stabilization. Osiris acts as the main sensor for surveillance and target acquisition, providing firing and targeting data from the weapon's computer; The Osiris also allows completely passive target acquisition to be carried out and was designed to maximize the capabilities of the Trigat anti-tank missile and was developed in parallel with the Tiger itself. Alternative optical system Osiris is installed on the roof of the aircraft in some variants.

The Tiger can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including rockets, cannons, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, controlled through a dedicated weapon control computer. Ammunition for anti-ground warfare includes a nose-mounted 30mm NEXTER turret; an assortment of external gun pods, anti-tank missiles, and up to four launchers for 70mm and 68mm rockets can be fitted to the Tiger's wing stubs. When deploying missiles, such as the Mistral, the Tiger is able to take advantage of the ammunition's off-axis projection capabilities. A 70mm guided missile will be developed for the Tiger based on the Roketsan Cirit.

Operational history

In December 2008, the final qualification of the HAP and UHT variants of the Tiger was completed, marking the platform's readiness for overseas operational duties. In May 2009, the Tiger participated in the Toulon coast readiness trials in order to clear the type for active shipboard deployment. In November 2009, about 50 Tigers were delivered to customers and fleets worldwide accumulated over 13,000 flight hours.

In July 2009, three French Tiger HAP helicopters of the 5th Helicopter Regiment arrived at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, marking the Tiger's first active deployment to an active war zone. The helicopters carried out armed reconnaissance and fire support missions in support of a coalition of ground forces fighting Taliban insurgents. The Tigers had their operational certification in Afghanistan in early August 2009; one French officer described the tiger's role in the theater as "find, attack, suppress, capture, raid, and support". In July 2010, Detachment Tiger was reported to have totaled 1,000 operational hours in Afghanistan. On 4 February 2011, a French tiger crashed while operating at night about 30 miles east of Kabul, and both crew members suffered minor injuries.

In August 2009 the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that ten operational Tigers in the German Army were only suitable for pilot training, while others were not accepted due to defects. In May 2010, Germany suspended deliveries of more "serious defects, especially with wiring"; in response, Eurocopter stated that "Corrective measures related to wiring problems have been developed, agreed by the customer and are being implemented", and that the two corrected helicopters will soon be handed over to the German army.

During the 2011 military intervention in Libya, France deployed a French vessel Tonner amphibious assault carrier carrying a number of Tiger helicopters on board to the coast of Libya to conduct military operations on military targets in Libya. On 4 June 2011, the French Tigers, along with British Army Apache helicopters, launched fighting in Libya.

In December 2012, a total of four German Tiger UHTs were deployed to Afghanistan. The UHTs operated from the Mazar-i-Sharif Air Base in Afghanistan, providing reconnaissance, ground support and convoy protection duties. All tigers deployed to the zone have previously been upgraded under the Asgard program; modifications include the addition of new protective systems, sand filters for the MTR390 engines, and enhancements to the communications package. The German Army received the last of the ASGARD-upgraded Tigers in March 2014. In March 2013, Spain also deployed three HADS Tigers to the region to operate in support of the Spanish ground forces. From January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2014, German Tigers over 260 missions in Afghanistan flew 1,860 hours with support from NATO ground forces, Afghan security forces, and post-flood relief operations. None of Germany's four deployed Tigers fired in combat, which the Bundeswehr attributed to psychological impact helicopter through displays of strength sufficient to counter threats.

In January 2013, as part of France's intervention in the northern Mali conflict, a small number of tigers were deployed to fight in the theatre. It was reported early in production that the Tiger HADS, known as Unit 1, were deployed to the theater in November 2014 after being deemed operational. In March 2017, two German Tigers were deployed to Mali in support of the multidimensional United Nations Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, freeing AH-64 Apaches of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, with another two Tigers due to join them. On July 26, 2017, one of two German Tigers en route to support a mission of UN troops crashed in the desert 70 km north of Gao for unknown reasons. Both pilots died in the crash.

Options

UH Tiger

UVT (from Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger German for "helicopter support Tiger") is a medium weight multipurpose fire support helicopter built for Bundeswehr(of the German Armed Forces). According to an agreement between the German government and Eurocopter made in March 2013, a total of 57 Tiger UHS are to be purchased.

The UVT can carry PARS 3 LR "fire and forget" and/or HOT3 anti-tank missiles, as well as 70 mm (2.8 in) Hydra 70 air-to-ground fire support missiles from the Belgian manufacturer Forge de Zeebrugge. Four AIM-92 Stinger missiles (two on each side) are fitted for air-to-air combat. Unlike the GAP/HCP version it does not have an integrated gun turret, but a 12.7 mm (0.50 in) gunpod can be fitted if required. The weapon configuration was designed to be versatile and easily convertible to cover the full range of possible mission scenarios and be effective against a wide range of targets. Another difference is the use of ICC vision, which has a second generation of infrared and CCD cameras (18 km range).

Tiger H.A.P.

Tiger HAP / HCP ( Helicoptère d "Appui Protection, French for "Support and Escort Helicopter" / Helicoptere de Combat Polyvalent French for "multipurpose combat helicopter") is a medium weight combat and fire support air-to-air helicopter built for the French army. It is equipped with a chin-mounted GIAT 30mm gun turret and can carry 68mm SNEB unguided rockets or 20mm heavy cannons in the fire support role, as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles. France 40 NARs were delivered in 2012 at a price of €27m/unit (~US$36m) at 2012 prices. In December 2015, France decided to upgrade its entire existing Tiger fleet to HAD standard by 2025.

Tiger H.A.D.

Tiger Had ( Helicoptere d "Appui Destruction, in French or Helicoptero de Apoyo y Destrucción on Spanish for "helicopter support and destruction") a version essentially identical to the GAP version, but best suited for operation in hot environments, with 14% more engine power available thanks to upgraded Enhanced MTR390 engines (+1092 kW / 1464 hp at normal operation; 1322 kW / 1774 hp in emergency power mode), maximum takeoff weight increased to 6,600 kg, communications suite expandable with Up Link and Down Link satellite antenna and better ballistic protection, as a result of specific requests made by the Spanish Army. It is equipped with Hellfire II and Spike ER armor-piercing missiles. It is suitable for attack, escort, ground fire support, armed reconnaissance, air-to-air combat roles.

It was selected by the Spanish Army and the French Army of Light Aviation (ALAT) decided to upgrade most of its NAR helicopters to the HAD variant. In December 2004, Spain ordered 24 HAD variants and France ordered 40 HADs. France 40 HAD will cost €35.6m/block (~US$48m) at 2012 prices. The French Army refers to those Tigers upgraded to HAD variants as Tiger Mk2 .

In January 2016, it was announced that France was working with Australia, Germany, Spain and to determine the proposed further increase of the Tiger HAD, referred to as Tiger Mk3. A key aspect of this upgrade, which is scheduled to take place around 2023, should be the adoption common rocket anti-tank, as well as other improvements in areas such as communications systems.

Tiger ARH

The Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) is a version commissioned by the Australian Army to replace its OH-58 Kiowa and UH-1 Iroquois-based "bushranger" attack helicopters. The Tiger ARH is a modified and updated version of the Tiger HAP with improved MTR390 engines, and a laser designator included as a Strix for firing Hell II air-to-ground missiles. Instead of SNEB unguided rockets, the ARH would use 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets from the Belgian developer, Forgy de Zeebrugg (FZ). Twenty-two variants were ordered in December 2001. Most of the helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. The helicopter was shipped to Australia for part form and local assembly at Brisbane Airport by Australia Aerospace.

The first two ARH helicopters were delivered to Australia on 15 December 2004. Deliveries were for adolescent reproductive health to be completed by June 2010 with full service scheduled for December 2011.

In 2012, after three incidents with cockpit fumes that endangered airmanship, pilots voted not to fly until all safety concerns were resolved.

In August 2014, the Australian Defense Force and BAE Systems Australia successfully piloted an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Laser Guidance System kit for use with Arch's 70mm FZ unguided missiles.

The 2016 Australian Defense White Paper stated that Tiger helicopters will be replaced by other armed reconnaissance aircraft in the mid-2020s. Problems cited include a lack of commonality with other Tiger variants, high engine maintenance costs, and shipping times to send parts back to Europe for repairs and repairs.

The Australian Army Tiger ARHS reached its final operational capacity on 18 April 2016.

operators

Australia
  • australian army
France
  • French army
Germany
  • german army
Spain
  • Spanish army

Specifications (Tiger GAP)

The tiger flew right overhead

external video
Eurocopter Tiger commercial
Eurocopter Tiger Air Display at ILA Berlin Air Show 2012
French Tiger firing rockets in Mali

Data Wilson, McGowen


In 1984, the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blom and Aerospatial companies began joint development of a new anti-tank helicopter for Germany and France, and in 1987, after the approval of the Franco-German joint program based on the projects proposed by the firms, two anti-tank helicopters for the German armies and France and combat helicopter direct support for the French army, it was decided to develop them in the 1990s; the development contract was signed on September 28, 1988. The program management was divided equally between Messerschmitt-Bolkov-Blom (MVB) and Aerospatial.

To develop this program, the Eurocopter consortium was created, the leadership of which was located in Paris. Responsible for the program was the Federal Office of the Federal Republic of Germany for Defense Equipment and Procurement of Weapons Systems.

The high cost of the initially proposed three versions of the helicopter was the reason for the temporary suspension in 1986 of the program with a reassessment of the requirements for helicopters and their characteristics. In 1988, the program was continued on the basis of the development of a common anti-tank helicopter for both countries and a variant of a close support helicopter for the French army. The decision on full-scale development was made on December 8, 1987. The following helicopter options are being developed:

RAN-2 (Panzerabwehr Hubschzauber) "Tiger" - a variant of the second generation anti-tank helicopter for the German army. The start of deliveries is scheduled for 1998. Up to eight Hot anti-tank missiles and four Stinger air-to-air missiles for self-defense can be placed on the underwing pylons. There is an over-sleeve sighting system, including a TV camera, an on-board IR system "Flir", a tracking device and a laser rangefinder; there is also a Flir surveillance system located in the nose of the helicopter and intended for the pilot. In the future, instead of the Hot ATGM, the helicopter’s armament can be up to 8 Euromissail Trigat ATGMs of the fire-and-forget type with an IR guidance system and a long range, or four Trigat ATGMs and four Hot-2s.

US (Helicoptere Anti Char) "Tiger" - anti-tank version of the helicopter for the French army. The start of deliveries is planned for 1998. Up to 8 Hot-2 or Trigat ATGMs and four Mistral air-to-air missiles can be placed on the wing pylons. The helmet-mounted sight and the Flir system for the pilot are the same as those of the RAN-2 helicopter.

NAR (Helicoptere d "Appui Protection) "Gerfo" is a helicopter variant for escorting and close support for the French army. Deliveries are scheduled for 1997. The helicopter is armed with a 30 mm GIAT AM-30781 automatic cannon with 150-450 rounds, located on a turret under the bow On the pylons under the wing there are four Mistral air-to-air missiles with IR guidance and two containers with 22 NAR SNEB 68 mm each. Instead of each pair of Mistral missiles, a container with 12 NAR can be installed. the cockpit is equipped with a television camera, an on-board IR system "Flir" for detecting targets in the forward hemisphere, a laser range finder and directional optical systems.

Under the program, five experimental helicopters were built, including three without weapons, to test the basic airframe and systems common to the two countries. The first flight of the first experimental helicopter RT1 took place on April 27, 1991 in the flight test center of France, and the first flight of the second RT2 helicopter in April 1992 and the third experimental helicopter in November 1993. Electronic equipment will be tested on the RT2 and RTZ helicopters ; the RT4 helicopter will be built in the NAR variant, and the RT5 helicopter in the RAN-2/NAR variant. After completion of the initial flight tests, the RT2 and RTZ helicopters will be re-equipped, respectively, into the NAR and RAN-2 / NAR variants for the weapons testing program.



According to preliminary estimates, 212 RAN-2 helicopters for Germany, 75 NAR-2 helicopters and 140 NAS helicopters for France will be required; the cost of the helicopter development program is about $1.4 billion;

DESIGN. A single-rotor helicopter with a tail rotor, two gas turbine engines, and a tricycle landing gear.

The fuselage, wings and tail are made of KM, taking into account the requirements for safe damage to structures and systems (MIL STD -1290 standards) and the ability to withstand damage when hit by 23 mm caliber projectiles. The fuselage and wings are made mainly of carbon fiber, while the fairings are made of fiberglass or Kevlar. Wing span 4.5 m, straight, low elongation, with lowered end parts and pylons to accommodate weapons. The vertical tail is swept, consists of a large fin, two washers at the ends of the stabilizer and a ventral fin. The keel has an asymmetrical profile and the washers are set at an angle to create a lateral force that unloads the tail rotor in flight. Stabilizer straight, span 3.6 m.



The crew cabin is double, with shock-absorbing armored seats arranged in tandem on different levels: in front of the pilot, and behind the operator (gunner).

Fixed landing gear, tricycle, with a tail wheel. Designed to be able to land at a vertical speed of 6 m/s.

The main rotor is four-bladed with hingeless blades, made of KM. The hub consists of a titanium hub and two KM cross plates bolted together. In the design of the sleeve, there are no horizontal and vertical hinges and there are only two tapered radial elasgomeric bearings in the axial hinges. This design of the sleeve provides a quick installation of the over-sleeve sight and is characterized by compactness, strength, low aerodynamic resistance, very low big amount parts and ease of maintenance. The blades are rectangular in plan, with end parts tapering and bent down. The blades have been developed with advanced airfoils that provide a 10% improvement in flight performance compared to conventional airfoils. The design of the main rotor, which has an equivalent radius of the main rotor of about 10%, provides an increase in maneuverability when performing anti-tank operations in low-level flight mode in extreme conditions.

The tail screw with a diameter of 2.7 m, three-bladed, of the "spheriflex" type, made of KM, is installed on the right side of the keel. The blades are rectangular in plan, with an asymmetric aerodynamic profile and a swept tip. A nickel anti-erosion pad is installed along the tip of the blade. The hub is made of titanium and has spherical elastomer bearings and elastomer dampers.

The power plant consists of two turboshaft gas turbine engines MTR 390, specially designed for this helicopter by MTU Turbomeca; the engines are installed side by side, have side air intakes, the nozzles are deflected upwards and equipped with devices to reduce IR radiation. The gas turbine engines have a modular design, a two-stage central compressor, an annular reverse-flow combustion chamber, a single-stage gas generator turbine and a two-stage free turbine. Takeoff power 958 kW / 1285 l. s., maximum continuous power 873 kW / 1170 l. With. Engine length 1.08 m, width 0.44 m, height 0.68 m, dry weight 169 kg.

Transmission. The main gearbox is two-stage, the first stage has gears with spiral teeth, the second - with cylindrical, with helical gearing. Provides the ability to work without lubrication for 30 minutes, compatibility with the over-sleeve sight and the ability to withstand bullets with a caliber of 12.7 mm. The main gearbox is mounted on supports equipped with devices to reduce vibrations.




The fuel system is duplicated, it consists of sealed fuel tanks of a safely damaged design with a total volume of 1360 liters.

The control system is duplicated, the mechanical elements of the control system are also duplicated. There is an automatic duplicated CSAS (Control and Stability Augmentation System) control and auto-stabilization system for pitch, roll and yaw control channels, as well as a common pitch, combined with an autopilot.

The electrical system includes two 20 kVA alternators and two DC transformer-rectifier units (300 A / 29 V), as well as rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries with a capacity of 23 Ah, located on a buffer device in each closed DC circuit. If necessary, duplication of the power supply of devices is provided.

Radio-electronic equipment is common for all variants of the helicopter, using a double digital data bus.

With the help of two central digital computers, information for the pilot and arrow is displayed on displays in the cockpit. The issuance of flight information for the pilot is also duplicated by conventional instruments. The navigation subsystem includes speed and azimuth indicators, Doppler radar, radar altimeter and magnetometer. The subsystem performs the functions of autonomous navigation, as well as flight path calculations, and provides the necessary data for CSAS and equipment to perform combat missions. There is a combined radar / laser threat warning system that allows you to determine, identify and classify the type of threat, it is possible to use electronic warfare equipment.

A set of equipment for anti-tank operations, based on the MIL-STD-1553B redundant data bus, includes a survey infrared night vision system for the pilot and a combined system of a helmet-mounted sight and indicator. The over-sleeve sight for the shooter has optical and IR channels with different viewing areas. The surveillance stabilized system provides tracking of one or more targets and includes a laser range finder and an indicator located in the cockpit.

The equipment for performing helicopter combat missions in the version for escorting and combat support is also based on the MIL-STD-1553B backup data bus, which connects fire control with the backup data bus control computer, the gunner's sight, the indicator on the windshield, the gun turret, NAR, UR air-to-air class, helmet-mounted sights for the pilot and shooter, as well as with their fire control units. Depending on the purpose of the helicopter, some of its equipment may vary.

Armament. Helicopters "Tiger" and "Gerfo" differ in the composition of weapons. The main armament options for the Tiger helicopter are: 8 Hot anti-tank missiles and 4 Mistral or Stinger missiles; 8 ATGM "Trigat" and 4 UR "Mistral" or "Stinger"; 4 ATGM "Trigat", 4 ATGM "Hot" and 4 UR "Mistral" or "Stinger"; 2 PTB for ferry flights. The main armament options for the Zherfo helicopter are: a 30 mm cannon with 450 rounds of ammunition; cannon and 4 UR "Mistral"; gun and 44 NAR and 4 UR "Mistral"; cannon and 68 NAR; gun and 2 PTB.



Characteristics of the helicopter "Tiger"

Dimensions, m:

length with rotating screws 15.82

fuselage length 14

fuselage width 1

wingspan 4.5

Helicopter height to main rotor hub 3.81 Main rotor diameter 13

swept area, m? 132.7

Engines: 2 GTE MTU Rolls-Royce

Turbomeka MTR 390 takeoff power, kW/l. With. 2 x 958/2 x 1285

Masses and loads, kg:

maximum takeoff 6000

when performing combat missions 5300-5600

empty helicopter 3300

Flight data:

cruising speed, km/h 250-280

maximum rate of climb, m/s 10

static ceiling, m 2000

maximum duration

Eurocopter Tiger/Tiger (Eng. Eurocopter "Tiger") - reconnaissance and strike helicopter. Developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter. I tried to get close to it, but it was surrounded by a huge number of people all the time !!!


As always, I use information from sites
http://www.airwar.ru
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
and other sources found by me in the internet and literature.

Based on the results of computer simulation of the combat operation of helicopters and an analysis of their use in local military conflicts, by the mid-1980s, the US and NATO aviation experts had spread the idea that the survival of a helicopter in the future would be largely determined not by the survivability of the structure, but by the level of visibility helicopter in the main physical fields, the complex of electronic warfare equipment used, and the perfection of the tactics used.
cabin

Here, the survivability of the machine is understood as the level of losses - the ratio of the number of downed helicopters to the total number of sorties made. At the same time, consideration of the design principles used, structural layout solutions and features of the RAH-66, Eurocopter Tiger and other helicopters does not give grounds to talk about the abolition of the requirements for ensuring combat survivability, rather, we are talking about changing the ranking of priorities and requirements.
nose cannon

The design of the Tiger helicopter was carried out on the basis of the following basic principles.

Visibility reduction (“Do not be seen by the enemy”). The thin fuselage (cab width 1 m) is made of polymer composite materials (PCM), transparent to high-frequency radar radiation.
Possibility of using tactical evasion techniques when enemy is detected by radar, infrared and acoustic means (“If seen, do not be hit”). To this end, the helicopter is equipped with various sensors and devices for detecting radiation from enemy air defense systems. The high maneuverability characteristics necessary to ensure an energetic evasive maneuver, the ability of the structure to withstand overloads from +3.5 to -0.5, must be realized.
The ability to continue flying under enemy fire (“If hit, survive and stay in the air”). Continuation of the flight with a single defeat of the structure by a 23-mm OFZ projectile. A set of measures to ensure combat survivability, including the presence of an armored partition between the engines, a tubular tail rotor drive shaft with a diameter of 130 mm made of PKM. Side sliding armored shields for the operator and pilot, protected explosion-proof and fireproof fuel tanks.
a gun

The straight wing of low elongation with lowered tips has four pylons to accommodate weapons, fuel tanks and containers for various purposes.
outboard armament

sidewall

The location of the crew members - standard for attack helicopters - in tandem, a feature of the Tiger helicopter is the front location of the pilot's seat, workplace operator at the back. At the same time, the pilot's and operator's seats are shifted in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine to provide a better forward view of the operator from the rear seat.
Crew cabin with shock-absorbing armored seats.
left view

The machine has a hydraulic automatic control and auto-stabilization system CSAS (Control and Stability Augmentation System) for pitch, roll and yaw channels, combined with an autopilot. The electrical system includes two alternating current generators of 20 kVA each and a pair of transformer-rectifier units (300A / 29V), as well as batteries. The electronic equipment, common to all versions of the helicopter, includes two on-board computers.

The fuselage structure consists of 80% polymer composite materials (PCM) based on carbon fiber and Kevlar, 11% aluminum, and 6% titanium alloys. The main and tail rotor blades are made of PCM and remain operational in case of combat damage and collisions with birds. Lightning protection and resistance to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) are provided by a thin bronze mesh and copper connecting foil applied on the surface of the fuselage.
The fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, while the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar. The developers paid much attention to the survivability of the machine in accordance with the MIL STD-1290 standards. This made the design of the helicopter sufficiently resistant to hits by 23-mm shells from the Soviet ZSU 23-4 "Shilka" and ZU 23-2.
front view

Flight information for the pilot is also duplicated by conventional instruments. The navigation subsystem includes a Doppler radar, radar altimeter, magnetometer, speed, azimuth and drift indicators. It provides autonomous determination of flight parameters and provides the necessary data for CSAS and the weapon control system. The helicopter is equipped with a combined threat alert system operating in both laser and radar ranges.
cabin

Non-retractable landing gear, tricycle with a tail wheel. Its design provides landing with a vertical speed of 6 m/s.
main rack

The equipment includes the AN / AAR-60 MILDS airborne detection system, which warns the crew about the exposure of the helicopter to enemy radar, laser guidance and aiming systems, and about the launch / attack of missiles. The complex was developed by the German branch of the EADS consortium. All systems are connected to the on-board computer, the commands of which are sent to the automatic reset of anti-radar reflectors and IR-interference devices from MBDA. Installed on the helicopter electronic warfare equipment Eloka. The characteristics of the visibility of the helicopter in the optical, radar, IR and acoustic ranges have been minimized.

The survivability of the structure and on-board systems of the helicopter ensures the possibility of continuing the flight when hit by a single 23-mm OFZ projectile.
general view on the left

The power plant consists of two turboshaft gas turbine engines MTR 390, specially designed for this helicopter by MTU Turbomeca; the engines are installed side by side, have side air intakes, the nozzles are deflected upwards and equipped with devices to reduce IR radiation. The gas turbine engines have a modular design, a two-stage central compressor, an annular reverse-flow combustion chamber, a single-stage gas generator turbine and a two-stage free turbine. Takeoff power 958kW, maximum continuous power 873kW. Engine length 1.08m, width 0.44m, height 0.68m, dry weight 169kg.
engine

cabin and window

cabin

The main rotor is four-bladed with hingeless blades, made of KM. The hub consists of a titanium hub and two KM cross plates bolted together. There are no horizontal and vertical hinges in the design of the sleeve and there are only two tapered radial elastomeric bearings in the axial hinges. This hub design allows quick mounting of the over-sleeve sight and is characterized by compactness, strength, low aerodynamic drag, very few parts and easy maintenance. The blades are rectangular in plan, with end parts tapering and bent down. The blades have been developed with advanced airfoils that provide a 10% improvement in flight performance compared to conventional airfoils. The design of the main rotor, which has an equivalent radius of the main rotor of about 10%, provides an increase in maneuverability when performing anti-tank operations in low-level flight mode in extreme conditions.
main screw

For attacks on armored targets, the crew has an IR night vision system for the pilot, helmet-mounted sights and situation indicators that display information on the windshield. The over-sleeve sight for the operator has optical and IR channels with different viewing areas. The REO also includes a laser rangefinder-target designator.
hanging weapon

guided missiles:


Transmission. The main gearbox is two-stage, the first stage has gears with helical teeth, the second - with cylindrical, with helical gearing. Provides the ability to work without lubrication for 30 minutes, compatibility with the over-sleeve sight and the ability to withstand 12.7mm bullets. The main gearbox is mounted on supports equipped with devices to reduce vibrations.
engine

To reduce the visibility of the helicopter in infrared range engine nozzles are equipped with mixing devices exhaust gases with air. In case of failure of one of the engines, the continuation of the flight is possible by putting the other engine into emergency mode.

What is this?

The swept tail is unusually developed: it consists of a pair of keels, one of which is located under the tail boom, and two vertical surfaces at the ends of the direct stabilizer. The keel is given an asymmetrical profile, and the surfaces are set at an angle, which allows you to unload the tail rotor in flight.
tail rotor

The tail rotor with a diameter of 2.7 m, three-bladed, "spheriflex" type, made of KM, is installed on the right side of the keel. The blades are rectangular in plan, with an asymmetric aerodynamic profile and a swept tip. A nickel anti-erosion pad is installed along the tip of the blade. The hub is made of titanium and has spherical elastomer bearings and elastomer dampers.

back view

The fuel system is duplicated, equipped with sealed tanks with a volume of 1360 liters. The fuel tanks are equipped with a system to prevent the explosion of the gas-air mixture in the overfuel space.

right side view

front

a gun

Windshield

general view, always a lot of people

And now more about the history of the creation of this helicopter:
In 1973, the Italian company Augusta and the German concern Messerschmitt-Belkov-Blom (hereinafter referred to as MBB) began joint design of a light anti-tank helicopter. At the same time, the French company Aerospatiale was developing a new multi-purpose helicopter for the army.
for preliminary

However, by 1975 the Italo-German project ran into difficulties, both technical and financial. Three years later, the Italian side terminated the agreement, starting to independently design the A-129 Mongoose, and 70% of the share of German costs was compensated by the Italian ground forces. During the period of friction between "Augusta" and "MBB", the German government proposed to France to start joint production of an anti-tank helicopter. The French side gave the go-ahead, and in 1977 the specialists of Aerospasial and MBB began joint research.
the crew, they also took pictures of us

In the course of them, disagreements in solving technical problems were revealed. Since France is characterized mild climate with lots of sunny days, then the command of Armee de l "Air would like to get a relatively light and simple in design car with one engine, quite cheap to manufacture, because the French intended to export it to third world countries. Colder and wetter prevails in Germany weather with a lot of fog and precipitation. Therefore, the German Bundesluftwaffe relied on an all-weather helicopter capable of operating in difficult weather conditions. In addition, the French side was not averse to saving money and therefore at the same time considered options multipurpose helicopters, while the German one focused on a purely single-purpose one - designed to destroy tanks. And this is understandable: a powerful Soviet armored group was concentrated "under the nose" of the FRG. To implement the program, the Eurocopter consortium was formed with a branch in Paris. On the German side, responsibility for the development was assigned to the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement of Weapon Systems.

In order to transfer work into a single direction and reduce financial costs, in 1984 a decision was made to create three different helicopters on the basis of one design. The multi-purpose version of the NAR (Helicoptere d "Appui Protection) as well as the anti-tank HAC-3G (Helicoptere Anti-Char) were intended for the French army, and the all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 (Panzerpabwehr-Hubschrauder) for the German army. The project cost was estimated at 2.36 billion During the implementation of this program, the French intended to receive 75 NAR helicopters and 140 HAC-3G, and the Germans - 212 all-weather anti-tank RAN-2.

The armament of the helicopters corresponded to the purpose. Both French vehicles carried four air-to-air missiles with the Mistral IR GOS and a promising 30-mm GIAT FV-30781 cannon with an ammunition capacity of 450 (on the NAR variant) and 150 shells (on the US model). In addition, the first provided for the installation of a pair of blocks with 60-mm NUR SNEB (12 shells each), and the second eight ATGMs "Hot-2", and in the future homing ATGMs of the third generation "Trigat". The German model had the same main armament as the French anti-tank one, but for self-defense it was supposed to use four American missiles with the Stinger IR seeker. It was planned to include the Flir survey system operating in the IR range, and a laser rangefinder-target designator combined with an aiming system, and a TV camera into the onboard REO of all three options.
one sits down, the other takes off

The delivery of helicopters in the NAR variant to the French was planned to begin in 1997. Anti-tank helicopters with the Toy ATGM were to enter service in 1998, and the first eight combat vehicles with the Trigat ATGM at the end of 1999. However, the high cost of the program ( three options) in the middle of 1986 forced specialists to reassess the requirements for combat vehicles and their characteristics. For about a year, the implementation of the project was under threat, and the West was very skeptical about the prospects for Eurocopter. But after the approval of the new proposed projects, the "ice broke" and on November 13, 1987, the parties decided to develop in the 90s. helicopter under the designation "Tiger".
away we go

In March 1988, in order to reduce the cost of design, both sides combined the French and German anti-tank models into one SATN project (Comman Anti-Tank Helicopter - a single anti-tank helicopter). The SATN program was estimated at $1.1 billion. At the same time, the glider power point corresponded to the PAH-2 variant. However, instead of the American TADS / PNVS detection and target designation system, Martin-Marietta decided to install a European set of MEP equipment on the helicopter, which included a sub-sleeve sight, a survey system and a fire control system. At the same time, the French army confirmed its interest in receiving a close fire support helicopter.

April 27, 1991 RT-1 "Tiger" took to the air for the first time. During the tests, a comprehensive assessment of flight characteristics, airframe subsystems, bushings of the main and tail rotors, engines, fuel and hydraulic systems, as well as on-board electronic equipment was carried out. The helicopter demonstrated good stability, which made it possible to abandon the planned installation of a stabilization system (SAS) - vertical surfaces at the ends of the stabilizer, which were intended to increase lateral stability and dampen oscillations in the yaw channel.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Germany had a negative impact on the fate of the project. The "Russian Bear" was no longer at the "borders of the Fatherland" and German Defense Minister D. Stoltenberg "with a light heart" reduced the number of PAH-2 anti-tank helicopters planned for purchase from 212 to 138 vehicles. The unification of the two Germanys required considerable costs and part of the funds, the government withdrew from the military budget. This, on the one hand, reduced the allocations for the needs of "copper helmets" by 1.26 billion dollars, and on the other hand, forced the consortium's management to start looking for potential buyers. In addition, the reduction in the number of helicopters purchased by Germany slowed down the pace of development and preparation programs for serial production.

Meanwhile, in June 1992, in Ottonbrook (Germany), the assembly of the second experimental helicopter RT-2 was completed, which was intended for testing the onboard electronic equipment, as well as the RT-3 that was under construction, and in November of the same year the first experimental fire support helicopter appeared for the French army, which by this time had received the name "Gerfo" (kochet). To save time and money, French specialists, simultaneously with flight tests of this machine, were testing the weapons system and parts of the electronic equipment for it on Puma helicopters. So, one of the first was tested 30-mm automatic gun GIAT AM-30781 and sighting system operating in the optical and infrared ranges.

Successful tests of "Gerfo" made a certain impression on German specialists and on November 17, 1992, the command army aviation stated that the plans for the purchase of all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 are by no means final and may well be adjusted in favor of the Zherfo variant. The beginning of the new 1993 turned out to be far from joyful for the board of the consortium, since. a few weeks after the Christmas holidays, the German government cut the number of purchased PAH-2 helicopters to 78. Against this background, the conclusion of a contract for the development of the third generation ATGM "Trigat" could hardly improve the mood of the developers. The program again, once again, was under threat.

However, on May 29, the army command of France and Germany signed an agreement in which Germany's participation in the development of the Tiger helicopter was confirmed. A fly in the ointment for the Eurocopter was the date for the helicopters to enter service, pushed back to 2000. This created some commercial difficulties, since export deliveries were scheduled to begin in 1998. And the UK was supposed to be the first buyer. At the same time, the joint agreement set the task of developing new tactical and technical requirements for the Tiger, which now, under the designation UHV-2, was supposed to be used as a multi-purpose support helicopter. It was planned to install promising Trigat ATGMs and a 27-mm Mauser automatic cannon located in the ventral container. A set of sensors for the detection and review system, as well as a computer for the combat information and control system, were also subject to modernization.

In 1994, the third prototype RT-3 was tested. They found: large bending moments of the main rotor (which was reinforced), excessive sensitivity of the duplex automatic flight control system, increased vibrations in the cockpit and tail boom. As a result, the gear ratio in the blade pitch control system was reduced, and the shape of the gearbox fairing was modified in order to stabilize the flow around and reduce vibration. A "fast" launch of the MTU MTR-390 turboshaft gas turbine engines developed by the British Rolls-Royce and the French Turbomeca was also worked out. In particular, the control program for nozzles and the first stages of compressors has been adjusted.

In the mid 90s. potential buyers have not lost interest in the Tiger. Thus, the German government confirmed its original intention to receive 212 combat helicopters. They are planned to equip four battalions: one for each of the three airmobile brigades, one remains as a separate one. In 1995, the French Ministry of Defense ordered 14 "Tigers" for military trials and at the same time purchased the main spare parts for total amount at 153 million dollars. In the same year, experimental machines RT-4 and RT-5 were assembled in the NAR and PAH-2 / NAS versions, respectively. They were used for full-scale weapons testing. Repeated delays in the implementation of the Tiger program have led to the fact that the arrival of these helicopters for equipping the troops is expected no earlier than 1998-1999. The board of the consortium also has not yet received confirmation from Germany on the acquisition of these machines after 2005.

The outlook for the global arms market has deteriorated as well. Initially, the UK showed interest, wishing to purchase 125 helicopters, Spain - 60 and the Netherlands - 40. However, the British and Dutch, disappointed with the test results, soon switched to the more powerful American AH-64A Apache. In third world countries, serious competition should be expected from the Russian Mi-28 and Ka-50, which have an undoubted superiority over the Franco-German development in almost the entire range of flight performance and combat characteristics. And besides, both Russian helicopters are already in mass production and, importantly, much cheaper than the Tiger.

flight the next day

and drunkards with the eyes of rabbits, they look at us thoughtfully ... and what kind of holey gloves does the operator have?

everyone is watching

Our helicopter belongs to the French Army, has registration number F-ZKBS (formerly BHE) serial number 2019. Correct model name: EC665 Tiger HAP-1 !!!

Who is first?

let's hit the road

first hang and show yourself

The German Ministry of Defense declared the European fire support helicopters "Tiger" (Eurocopter Tiger) unsuitable for use. This is reported by the newspaper Die Welt, citing an official statement from the department.
Helicopters manufactured by the European company EADS were intended to arm the German contingent in Afghanistan. However, as stated in the materials of the internal correspondence of the Ministry of Defense, their deliveries will be delayed due to numerous defects and shortcomings.

According to AFP, a batch of 80 Tiger helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS, was ordered in 1999. 67 of them were to be delivered by 2009. Meanwhile, according to a representative of the Ministry of Defense, by now the department has received only 11 helicopters, and due to "serious defects" all of them were declared unsuitable.

Eurocopter issued a statement saying that troubleshooting work is progressing at an accelerated pace. It is expected that the first combat-ready Tiger helicopters will be available to the Bundeswehr no earlier than 2012.

Unit cost US$39 million

satisfied audience

Modifications:
US Tigre is a multipurpose attack helicopter with a primary anti-tank mission for the French army.
HAP Gerfaut is a fire support attack helicopter for the French Army.
PAH-2 Tiger (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber 2) is a second-generation anti-tank helicopter for the German army.

whoops

Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons operator)
Length: 15.8 m
Fuselage length: 15.0 m (with cannon)
Main rotor diameter: 13.0 m
Tail rotor diameter: 2.7 m
Maximum fuselage width: 4.53 m (with pylons)
Height: 4.32 m (with tail rotor)
Rotor swept area: 132.7 m²
Chassis base: 7.65 m
Chassis track: 2.38 m
Empty weight: 4200 kg
Normal takeoff weight: 5300 - 6100 kg (depending on the mission)
Maximum takeoff weight: 6100 kg
Mass of fuel in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB)
Volume of fuel tanks: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB)
Powerplant: 2 × turboshaft MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR390
Engine power: 2 × 1285 hp With. (2 × 958 kW (take-off))

Flight characteristics

Maximum allowable speed: 322 km/h
Max Speed: 278 km/h
Cruise speed: 230 km/h
Practical range: 800 km
Ferry range: 1280 km (with PTB)
Flight duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
with maximum fuel: 3 h 25 min
Static ceiling: 3500 m (out of ground influence)
Rate of climb: 11.5 m/s
Vertical rate of climb: 6.4 m/s
Disc load: 45.2 kg/m² (at maximum takeoff weight)

planes are waiting for a break

Armament

Shooting and cannon: 1 × 30 mm Giat AM-30781 cannon with 450 p.
Suspension points: 4
guided missiles:
air-to-ground missiles: 4 × HOT or Trigat or AGM-114 on internal nodes
air-to-air missiles: 2 × Mistral or Stinger on external nodes
Unguided missiles: blocks of 22 on internal and 12 missiles on external nodes
Additional weapons: 12.7 mm machine guns with 250 rounds or PTB on internal nodes

The PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter is designed to conduct reconnaissance and combat armored vehicles and enemy helicopters. In 1987, France and Germany, as part of the development firms Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm and Aerospatiale, formed the Eurocopter consortium with a branch in Paris and began to develop a new helicopter in two versions - anti-tank and fire support. The multi-purpose version of the NAR (Helicoptere d "Appui Protection) as well as the anti-tank HAC-3G (Helicoptere Anti-Char) were intended for the French army, and the all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 (Panzerpabwehr-Hubschrauder) for the German army.

In March 1988, in order to reduce the cost of design, both sides combined the French and German anti-tank models into one SATN project (Comman Anti-Tank Helicopter - a single anti-tank helicopter). The SATN program was estimated at $1.1 billion. At the same time, the airframe and power plant corresponded to the PAH-2 variant. However, instead of the American TADS / PNVS detection and target designation system, Martin-Marietta decided to install a European set of MEP equipment on the helicopter, which included a sub-sleeve sight, a survey system and a fire control system. At the same time, the French army confirmed its interest in receiving a close fire support helicopter. April 27, 1991 PT-1 Tiger took to the air for the first time. During the tests, a comprehensive assessment of flight characteristics, airframe subsystems, bushings of the main and tail rotors, engines, fuel and hydraulic systems, as well as on-board electronic equipment was carried out. The helicopter demonstrated good stability, which made it possible to abandon the planned installation of a stabilization system (SAS) - vertical surfaces at the ends of the stabilizer, which were intended to increase lateral stability and dampen oscillations in the yaw channel.

In 1991, due to the collapse of the USSR and the unification of Germany, the financing of the project was significantly reduced, and the state order for the expected supply of a helicopter was almost halved (from 218 helicopters to 138). Germany's reduction in the number of purchased helicopters slowed down work on the project and preparation for mass production. Only in June 1992 was the assembly of the second experimental helicopter PT-2 completed, which was intended for testing the onboard electronic equipment, like the PT-3 that was under construction, and in November of the same year the first experimental fire support helicopter for the French army appeared, which received a this time the name "Zherfo" (kochet). To save time and money, French specialists, simultaneously with flight tests of this machine, were testing the weapons system and parts of the electronic equipment for it on Puma helicopters. So, one of the first was tested 30-mm automatic gun GIAT AM-30781 and sighting system operating in the optical and infrared ranges.

Successful tests of "Gerfo" produced good impression on military specialists and on November 17, 1992, the army aviation command announced that the plans for the purchase of all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 Tigers were most likely not final and might be adjusted in favor of the Zherfo variant. But the beginning of 1993 turned out to be completely unhappy for the Eurocopter concern, the German government reduced the state order for purchased PAH-2 Tiger helicopters to 78 machines. The project was once again in danger of being shut down. However, on May 29, 1993, the military command of Germany and France entered into an agreement under which both parties confirmed their further participation in the development of a new helicopter. Meanwhile, the planned delivery date for the new PAH-2 Tiger helicopters into service was postponed to 2000.

This decision entailed difficulties of a commercial nature, since already in 1998 the first export deliveries to the armed forces of Great Britain were scheduled. At the same time, the joint agreement set the task of developing new tactical and technical requirements for the PAH-2 Tiger, which was now supposed to be used as a multi-purpose support helicopter under the designation UHV-2. It was planned to install promising Trigat ATGMs and a 27-mm Mauser automatic cannon located in the ventral container. A set of sensors for the detection and review system, as well as a computer for the combat information and control system, were also subject to modernization.

In 1994, the third prototype RT-3 was tested. They found: large bending moments of the main rotor (which was reinforced), excessive sensitivity of the duplex automatic flight control system, increased vibrations in the cockpit and tail boom. As a result, the gear ratio in the blade pitch control system was reduced, and the shape of the gearbox fairing was modified in order to stabilize the flow around and reduce vibration. A "quick" launch of the MTU MTR-390 turboshaft gas turbine engines developed by the British Rolls-Royce and the French Turbomeca was also worked out. In particular, the control program for nozzles and the first stages of compressors has been adjusted. After improvements, the car was approved as the final sample. A few words about the design of the "Tiger". The fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, while the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar.

The developers paid much attention to the survivability of the machine in accordance with the MIL STD-1290 standards. This made the design of the helicopter sufficiently resistant to hits by 23-mm shells from the Soviet ZSU 23-4 "Shilka" and ZU 23-2. The straight wing of low elongation with lowered tips has four pylons to accommodate weapons, fuel tanks and containers for various purposes. The swept tail is unusually developed: it consists of a pair of keels, one of which is located under the tail boom, and two vertical surfaces at the ends of the direct stabilizer. The keel is given an asymmetrical profile, and the surfaces are set at an angle, which allows you to unload the tail rotor in flight.

In the mid 90s. potential buyers have not lost interest in the PAH-2 Tiger. Thus, the German government confirmed its original intention to receive 212 combat helicopters. In 1995, the French Ministry of Defense ordered 14 PAH-2 Tigers for military testing and at the same time purchased major spare parts for a total of $153 million. In the same year, experimental machines RT-4 and RT-5 were assembled in the NAR and PAH-2 / NAS versions, respectively. They were used for full-scale weapons testing.

Soon, the German Ministry of Defense declared the PAH-2 Tiger fire support helicopters unsuitable for use and stated that their deliveries would be delayed due to numerous defects and shortcomings. A batch of 80 PAH-2 Tiger helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS, was ordered in 1999. 67 of them were to be delivered by 2009. Meanwhile, according to a representative of the Ministry of Defense, by now the department has received only 11 helicopters, and due to "serious defects" all of them were declared unsuitable. Eurocopter issued a statement saying that troubleshooting work is progressing at an accelerated pace. It is expected that the first combat-ready Tiger helicopters will be available to the Bundeswehr no earlier than 2012.

The helicopter is designed according to the traditional scheme with one semi-rigid type main rotor. It was created using the latest technical achievements: composite materials (Kevlar, elastomeric bearings and fiberglass, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics), helmet-mounted sight, digital radio-electronic systems, helmet-mounted indicators for pilots, etc. The presence of durable chassis structures, power packs and seat reservations allow the crew to withstand landings in emergency situations at speeds up to 11.5 m/s. The crew cabin is double with shock-absorbing armored seats located in tandem at different levels: the pilot is in front and the operator is behind.

The fuselage, made entirely of composite materials, can withstand projectiles up to 23 mm caliber. The crew cabin is double, the seats are arranged in tandem. The shape of the cockpit with a sliding armored glass canopy minimizes reflections of light and radar radiation (the rest of the fuselage is also designed in accordance with this principle).

The design of the four-blade main rotor uses elastomeric bearings (conical and radial). For the blades, new aerodynamic profiles have been developed: the ends of the blades are swept and bent down to improve hover performance. The wide spacing of the hinges results in good maneuverability characteristics. The spheri-flex tail rotor (titanium hub and forked blade gums) provides good yaw control characteristics.

The PAH-2 Tiger power plant consists of two MTR390 gas turbine engines with an HP 1285 power installed side by side. The transmission is equipped with a two-stage gearbox capable of operating without lubrication for 30 minutes, excess strength makes it able to withstand the impact of 12.7 mm bullets. The fuel system is duplicated, equipped with sealed tanks with a volume of 1360 liters.

The PAH-2 Tiger helicopter is the first production helicopter with 15.2 x 15.2 cm liquid crystal displays on the instrument panel, which allows you to read readings in any light. There is also a binocular helmet-mounted sight for pointing weapons; control system with two channels of redundancy (mechanical and electric).

Helicopters PAH and HAC differ mainly only in the weapons system. The PAH helicopter armament kit contains a sight, including a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder-target designator, 2-3 HOT-2 ATGMs or third-generation ATS 3 ATGMs with a fire-and-forget control system, 4 FIM air-to-air missiles -92 Stinger and Mistral. The HAC helicopter is equipped with a GIAT FV-30781 mobile gun of 30 mm caliber with an ammunition capacity of 450 (on the NAR version) and 150 rounds (on the US model), 4 air-to-air missiles and NAR units. Depending on the variant, the sight can be mounted above the main rotor hub or in the forward fuselage.

PAH-2 Tiger modification
Rotor diameter, m 13.00
Tail rotor diameter, m 2.70
Length, m 14.00
Height, m ​​3.81
Width, m 1.00
Weight, kg
empty 3300
normal takeoff 5400
maximum takeoff 6000
Internal fuel, l 1360
Engine type 2 GTE MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR 390
power, kWt
takeoff 2 x 958
in flight 2 x 873
Maximum speed, km/h 280
Cruise speed, km/h 250
Practical range, km 800
Rate of climb, m/min
maximum 690
combat 384
Practical ceiling, m 3500
Static ceiling, m 2000
Crew, people 2
Armament: 30mm GIAT M871 or AM-30781 cannon with 750 rounds
Combat load on 4 hardpoints:
Anti-tank configuration:
8 ATGM HOT2 and/or TRIGAT LR and
4 UR air-to-air Mistral and / or FIM-92 Stinger
Impact configuration:
4 UR air-to-air Mistral together with a gun
68x68 mm NUR SNEB or 44x68 mm NUR and 4 UR Mistral