H225M Reaches New Heights: Surpassing 100,000 Hours in the Sky!
H225M: A Groundbreaking Multi-Role Helicopter
The H225M helicopter has made an impressive mark in the aviation world, boasting over 100,000 flight hours and a fleet of 88 aircraft serving in six different countries. Initially delivered to the French Air Force in 2006, the H225M—known as the Caracal—was promptly deployed in Lebanon, where it successfully evacuated approximately 300 people. Since its inception, this remarkable 11-metric-ton helicopter has demonstrated exceptional reliability and endurance in various challenging conditions, including combat zones such as Afghanistan, Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, and Mali. It has also played a vital role in NATO-led operations in Libya.
Michel Macia, Head of the Super Puma program at Airbus Helicopters, expressed enthusiasm about the H225M’s achievements: “We are thrilled to see that the H225M has achieved this symbolic milestone with helicopters flying in different corners of the globe and in some of the harshest theatres of operation.” He further highlighted the helicopter’s advanced avionics, renowned four-axis autopilot, impressive range, and substantial payload capacity. With a spacious cabin designed to transport 28 troops and equipped with robust air-to-ground and air-to-surface armaments, the H225M is capable of tackling even the most demanding missions.
This versatile helicopter can operate from both ships and land, even in icing conditions, and possesses all-weather capabilities supported by night vision goggle compatibility. Its remarkable range of 1,296 km can be extended with air-to-air refueling, enabling flight durations of up to 10 hours, a capability recently showcased by the French Air Force in operational scenarios.
The H225M is a vital asset for several nations, including France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Recently, the Royal Thai Air Force demonstrated renewed confidence in the H225M by placing a follow-on order for four aircraft tailored for combat search and rescue and troop transport missions. Other notable recent acquisitions include a contract signed by Kuwait in 2016 for 30 aircraft, along with interests from Singapore. The H225M continues to garner attention from governments around the globe as a formidable multi-role helicopter designed to fulfill diverse operational needs.
