Eurocopter's state-of-the-art Tiger attack helicopter takes to the skies in Malaysia at the LIMA 2011 exhibition

Eurocopter stands ready to propose its latest-generation Tiger attack helicopter to bolster Malaysia's defense capability as the company showcases this combat-proven multi-role aircraft during flight demonstrations at the 2011 Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).

In a strong signal of its commitment to meet the operational needs of Malaysia’s military and civil sectors, Eurocopter will highlight the Tiger and other members of its helicopter product line during this week’s LIMA event at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center. In particular, the Tiger will take part in the daily flying display, showing its capabilities that provide the right fit with Malaysia’s defense plans in anticipation of a future Request for Proposal (RFP) by the country for attack helicopters.

“Eurocopter is fully dedicated to assisting Malaysia in establishing a highly capable attack helicopter force,” stated Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “Our proposal will be based on the Tiger’s effectiveness, which is proven with combat deployments in both Afghanistan and Libya – during which it demonstrated operational reliability rates of over 90 percent and confirmed a high level of maintainability. Designed for armed forces’ 21st century requirements with the latest cutting-edge technology, we believe the Tiger is the right helicopter to bolster Malaysia’s defense capabilities.”

Eurocopter’s subsidiary in Malaysia is well positioned to provide in-country services and fully support the company’s customers. As part of its local presence strategy, Eurocopter and the Boustead Group recently created a joint venture for maintenance, repair and overhaul services. “Eurocopter will transfer its know-how in maintaining government helicopters, ensuring such support is close at hand for Malaysia’s fleet,” Bertling added.

The Tiger is a medium-weight 6-ton helicopter with a two-seat tandem cockpit and twin-engine design for survivability. Developed to cover a wide range of roles in the most demanding operational conditions – including armed reconnaissance, escort, air-to-air combat, ground fire support and anti-tank combat – the Tiger is able to act autonomously or inside coordinated wings of 2-3 aircraft, operating in high-intensity combat as well as low-intensity and peacekeeping operations.

In addition to the Tiger’s starring role at LIMA 2011, Eurocopter will exhibit its light twin-engine EC145 civilian helicopter on the exhibition’s static display line, with this aircraft configured in an emergency medical services configuration. Additionally, scale models of the EC725 – which has been ordered by the Royal Malaysian Air Force – and the EC135 (a reference for light helicopters in mission training, law enforcement and public services worldwide) will be displayed on Eurocopter’s stand at Langkawi (Hall B, Stand no. B435).

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In 2010, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.8 billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. There are currently 11,360 Eurocopter helicopters in service and some 2,900 customers in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

About Eurocopter Malaysia (www.eurocopter.com.my)

Eurocopter Malaysia was incorporated in 2002, and is the only helicopter manufacturer with a comprehensive network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service centers in Malaysia. With a workforce of 130 employees and a presence in Subang, Miri and Kerteh, it provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft modification (retrofit, painting, interior refurbishment and customization), as well logistics support (spare parts, repairs and overhaul). Eurocopter Malaysia backs its support offer with its inventory, 24-hour service, highly skilled workers and efficient logistic services. It has in its stable some 20 local small and medium enterprises as its vendors or partners. The company also is an authorized training center, providing a range of services for customers from standard training to customized courses.


Source: Kuala Lumpur, By Priscilla YIP - 5 December 2011 - Reuters (www.reuters.com)

Photo: Eurocopter Tiger HAD (© Eurocopter, Anthony Pecchi)

(5.12.2011)