Eurocopter's broad helicopter product line to be presented at INDO DEFENCE 2012

The capabilities of Eurocopter's helicopter product line to meet Indonesia's defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue mission needs will be displayed at this month's INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum in Jakarta.

Eurocopter is to exhibit scale models of the EC725, EC145, AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MB Panther rotary-wing aircraft at INDO DEFENCE 2012, joining its EADS parent company during the event (Hall D, Stand D110).

"With its modern range of helicopters, Eurocopter is well positioned to respond to the diverse operational requirements of Indonesia for its Armed Forces, homeland security, law enforcement and parapublic missions," said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter¡¯s Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific. "We are ready to expand the exemplary collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which is supported by major investments and transfer of knowledge in manufacturing, integration and customization of helicopters, with the creation of additional training opportunities and the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions."

PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Eurocopter's long lasting relationship has successfully led to the choice by Indonesia Air Force to procure six EC725 for combat search and rescue earlier this year. This follows the licensed assembly in Indonesia of SA330 Pumas and AS332 Super Pumas, along with the in-country manufacture of EC225 and EC725 tail booms and airframe assemblies for Eurocopter since 2008.

The EC725 selected for Indonesia's combat search and rescue duties is the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter¡¯s 11-ton military product line, and has become a rotorcraft of choice in the modernization of military forces fleets worldwide. This twin-engine helicopter's capabilities in challenging operating conditions are being demonstrated during its current Afghanistan deployment by France, and were also proven in operations supporting France¡¯s role with NATO-led operations during the Libyan military campaign.

Eurocopter's EC145 family is recognized worldwide as a highly versatile medium twin-engine helicopter for law enforcement and security missions. In addition to its use by police departments, sheriff agencies and other organizations in many countries, the UH-72A version is being supplied to the U.S. Army as its new Light Utility Helicopter. This rotary-wing aircraft's performance has been further enhanced with the EC145 T2 version, which incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, the company's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

The Eurocopter Fennec helicopter product line ¨C derived from the renowned Ecureuil rotorcraft family ¨C is performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training duties around the globe today. This series of adaptable single- and twin-engine helicopters combine powerful light attack capabilities with highly cost-effective airframe and mission system solutions.

Also highlighted at INDO DEFENCE 2012 is the AS565 MB Panther, a member of the company's Dauphin family that is in operation with many military services for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime counterterrorism, surveillance and control, casualty/medical evacuations and search and rescue. This helicopter series can be fitted with torpedoes and dipping sonar, and is demonstrating its capabilities daily with operators that include the United States Coast Guard ¨C which flies some 100 MH-65 Dolphins for search and rescue, homeland security, drug interdiction, pollution control and other missions.

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