Attack helicopter "Tiger" (Eurocopter Tiger): design description, technical characteristics, manufacturer. Foreign combat, attack and assault helicopters Tiger attack helicopter

Eurocopter Tiger is a French combat helicopter, developed by engineers of the Eurocopter Group and produced since 1991.

The beginning of the development of the Eurocopter Tiger military combat helicopter was initiated by the French and German military commands in 1984, and only after the validity of all decisions made, in 1986, the first development of this began aircraft.

Photo Eurocopter Tiger

The project of the future combat helicopter was created by German engineers with the support of French designers, while this aircraft made its first flight only in 1991, while it was officially presented only in 2003. The extensive development was associated with a number of obstacles, in particular , in the first stages, aircraft manufacturers from the Eurocopter Group managed to create a military aircraft with good combat qualities, however, its speed characteristics clearly left much to be desired - the maximum flight speed varied between 195-198 km/h, while the maximum flight range did not exceed 450 kilometers, which was not practical.

Eurocopter Tiger photo

Ultimately, the design of the Eurocopter Tiger combat helicopter was significantly optimized, successfully combining combat parameters with flight performance characteristics.

The Eurocopter Tiger helicopter has various weapons, allowing you to conduct effective fight with almost any ground targets, be it single armed enemy units, or large units, including armored vehicles and tanks. Automatic 30 mm is used here. aircraft cannon, guided and unguided missiles, means for combating air targets, including homing missiles, etc.

Helicopter Eurocopter Tiger

The power plant of the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter includes two MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft aircraft engines capable of developing a total power of 2610 hp, which in turn is a very significant indicator for a combat helicopter. Maximum speed The flight speed of this military aircraft is 315 km/h, while the helicopter itself can easily fly over distances of up to 1,300 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks).

The Eurocopter Tiger helicopter is available in several different modifications, including:

• Eurocopter UH Tiger– a multi-purpose fire support helicopter developed by order of the German armed forces;
• Eurocopter Tiger HAP– a multi-purpose attack helicopter developed for the needs of the French armed forces;
• Eurocopter Tiger HAD– a modified version with Enhanced MTR390 engines with a power of 1340 hp. every;
• Eurocopter Tiger ARH– a special modification developed for the Australian armed forces.

As of mid-2015, French aircraft manufacturers produced 232 helicopters of this model, while the demand for combat aircraft continues to grow even despite the fairly high cost of one unit.

Technical characteristics of Eurocopter Tiger.

• Crew: 2-3 people;
• Capacity: none
• Helicopter length: 14.08 m;
• Helicopter height: 3.83 m;
• Main rotor diameter: 13 m;
• Empty helicopter weight: 3060 kg. (Depending on modification);
• Maximum take-off weight: 6000 kg. (Depending on modification);
• Cruising speed: 270 km/h. (Depending on modification);
• Maximum flight speed: 315 km/h. (Depending on modification);
• Maximum flight range: 1300 km. (Depending on modification);
• Maximum flight altitude: 4000 m;
• Powerplant: 2 × MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 (Depending on version);
• Power: 1305 hp (Depending on modification).

Eurocopter Tiger/Tiger (eng. Eurocopter “Tiger”) - reconnaissance and attack helicopter. Developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter. I tried to get closer to it, but it was always surrounded by a huge number of people!!!

As always, I use information from sites
http://www.airwar.ru
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki
and other sources I found on the Internet and literature.

Based on the results of computer modeling of the combat operation of helicopters and analysis of their use in local military conflicts, by the mid-1980s, the idea had spread among US and NATO aviation specialists that the survivability of a helicopter in the future would be determined to a greater extent not by the survivability of the design, but by the level of visibility helicopter in basic physical fields, the complex of electronic warfare equipment used, and the perfection of the tactical techniques used.
cabin

Here, vehicle survivability refers to the level of losses - the ratio of the number of helicopters shot down to total number flights made. At the same time, consideration of the design principles used, design and layout solutions and features of the RAH-66, Eurocopter Tiger, etc. helicopters does not give grounds to talk about the abolition of the requirements for ensuring combat survivability, rather we're talking about about changing the ranking of priorities and requirements.
nose gun

The Tiger helicopter was designed based on the following basic principles.

Reduced visibility (“Do not be seen by the enemy”). The thin fuselage (cabin width 1 m) is made of polymer composite materials (PCM), transparent to high-frequency radar radiation.
The ability to use tactical evasion techniques when detected by radar, infrared and acoustic means of the enemy (“If seen, do not be hit”). For this purpose, the helicopter is equipped with various sensors and devices for detecting radiation from enemy air defense systems. Must be implemented high performance maneuverability necessary to provide an energetic evasive maneuver, the ability of the structure to withstand overloads from +3.5 to -0.5.
The ability to continue flight when facing enemy fire (“If hit, survive and stay in the air”). Continuation of flight when a structure is hit by a single 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 PCM. Side sliding armored shields for the operator and pilot, protected explosion-proof and fireproof fuel tanks.
gun

The straight wing of low aspect ratio with lowered tips has four pylons for placing weapons, fuel tanks and containers for various purposes.
suspended weapons

sidewall

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

The vehicle has a hydraulic automatic control and auto-stabilization system CSAS (Control and Stability Augmentation System) through pitch, roll and yaw channels, combined with an autopilot. The electrical system includes two 20 kVA alternating current generators and a pair of transformer-rectifier units (300A/29V), as well as batteries. The radio-electronic equipment, common to all helicopter variants, 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 the event of combat damage and collisions with birds. Lightning protection and resistance to action electromagnetic pulse(EMP) are provided by a thin bronze mesh and copper connecting foil applied to the surface of the fuselage.
The fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, and the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar. The developers paid a lot of attention to the survivability of the vehicle in accordance with MIL STD-1290 standards. This made the helicopter design quite resistant to hits from 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 the CSAS and weapon control system. The helicopter is equipped with a combined threat warning system operating in both laser and radar ranges.
cabin

The landing gear is non-retractable, tricycle with a tail wheel. Its design ensures landing with a vertical speed of 6 m/s.
main post

The equipment includes the AN/AAR-60 MILDS airborne detection system, which warns the crew about the irradiation of the helicopter by enemy radar, laser guidance and targeting 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 MBDA automatic reset machine for anti-radar reflectors and IR jammers. The helicopter is equipped with EloKa electronic warfare equipment. The helicopter's visibility characteristics in the optical, radar, IR and acoustic ranges have been minimized.

The survivability of the helicopter's structure and on-board systems ensures the ability to continue flight if hit by a single 23-mm OFZ projectile.
general view on the left

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

cabin and window

cabin

The main rotor is four-blade with hingeless fastening of the blades, made of CM. The hub consists of a titanium hub and two cross-shaped plates made of KM, bolted together. The bushing design does not have horizontal and vertical hinges and there are only two tapered radial elastomeric bearings in the axial hinges. This sleeve design ensures quick installation of the over-sleeve sight and is characterized by compactness, strength, low aerodynamic resistance, very low a large number parts and ease of maintenance. The blades are rectangular in plan, with the end parts tapering and bent downwards. Improved aerodynamic profiles have been developed for the blades, providing a 10% improvement in flight performance compared to conventional profiles. The design of the main rotor, which has an equivalent propeller radius of about 10%, provides increased maneuverability when performing anti-tank operations in low-level flight mode in extreme conditions.
main screw

For strikes against 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-the-sleeve sight for the operator has optical and IR channels with different viewing areas. The REO also includes a laser rangefinder-target designator.
slung weapon

Guided missiles:


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

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

What is this?

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

The tail rotor with a diameter of 2.7 m, three-bladed, "spheriflex" type, made of CM, is installed on the right side of the keel. The blades are rectangular in plan, with an asymmetrical airfoil and swept tip. A nickel anti-erosion lining is installed along the toe of the blade. The bushing is made of titanium and has spherical elastomeric bearings and elastomeric dampers.

rear view

The fuel system is duplicated, equipped with protected 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 space above the fuel.

right view

front

gun

windshield

general view, always a lot of people

And now in more detail 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 jointly designing a light anti-tank helicopter. At the same time, the French company Aerospatial was developing a new multi-purpose helicopter for the army.
for preliminary

However, by 1975, the Italian-German project encountered difficulties of both a technical and financial nature. Three years later, the Italian side terminated the agreement and began independently designing the A-129 Mongoose machine, and 70% of the German share of the costs was compensated by the Italian ground forces. During the period of friction between Augusta and MBB, the German government invited France to begin joint production of an anti-tank helicopter. The French side gave the go-ahead and in 1977, specialists from Aerospatiale and MBB began joint research.
crew, they also took pictures of us

During the meeting, differences in solving technical problems emerged. Since France is characterized by a mild climate with a lot of sunny days, the Armee de l'Air command would like to get a relatively light and simple-design machine with one engine, quite cheap to produce, since the French intended to export it to countries third world. In Germany, colder and more humid weather with a lot of fog and precipitation prevails. 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 for multi-purpose helicopters. , the German one was focused on a purely single-purpose one - intended to destroy tanks. And this is understandable: a powerful Soviet armored group was concentrated “under the nose” of Germany. To implement the program, the Eurocopter consortium was formed with a branch in Paris. The German side was responsible for the development. to the Federal Defense Equipment and Weapons Systems Acquisition Administration.

In order to transfer the work into a single direction and reduce financial costs, in 1984 a decision was made to create three different helicopters based on 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 cost of the project was estimated at 2.36 billion . The costs of both sides were determined in equal shares. 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 helicopters' armament was suitable for its intended purpose. Both French vehicles carried four air-to-air missiles with a Mistral infrared seeker and a promising 30-mm GIAT FV-30781 cannon with ammunition of 450 (on the NAR version) and 150 rounds (on the NAS model). In addition, the first one provided for the installation of a pair of blocks with a 60-mm SNEB NUR (12 shells each), and the second one would have eight Hot-2 ATGMs, and in the future, third-generation Trigat homing ATGMs. 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 a Stinger infrared seeker. It was planned to include the Flir surveillance system, operating in the IR range, and a laser rangefinder-target designator combined with an aiming system, and a TV camera as part of the on-board REO of all three options.
one lands, the other takes off

The delivery of helicopters in the NAR version to the French was planned to begin in 1997. Anti-tank helicopters with Toy ATGMs were supposed to enter service in 1998, and the first eight combat vehicles with Trigat ATGMs - at the end of 1999. However, the high cost of the program ( three options) in mid-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 of Eurocopter. But after the approval of the new proposed projects, “the ice broke” and on November 13, 1987, the parties decided to develop it in the 90s. helicopter under the designation "Tiger".
away we go

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

On April 27, 1991, the RT-1 Tiger took off for the first time. During the tests it was carried out comprehensive assessment flight characteristics, airframe subsystems, main and tail rotor hubs, engines, fuel and hydraulic systems, as well as on-board electronic equipment. 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 vibrations in the yaw channel.

Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and withdrawal 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 expected to be purchased from 212 to 138 vehicles. The unification of the two Germanys required considerable expenses and some of the funds were withdrawn by the government from the military budget. This, on the one hand, reduced allocations for the needs of “copper helmets” by $1.26 billion, and on the other, forced the consortium management to begin searching for potential buyers. In addition, Germany's reduction in the number of helicopters purchased has slowed down the pace of development programs and preparation for mass production.

Meanwhile, in June 1992, in Ottonbruck (Germany), the assembly of the second experimental helicopter RT-2, which was intended for testing on-board electronic equipment, like the RT-3 that was under construction, was completed, and in November of the same year the first experimental fire support helicopter appeared for the French army, which by this time received the name “Gerfo” (kochet). To save time and money, French specialists, simultaneously with flight tests of this machine, were testing the weapon system and part of the electronic equipment for it on Puma helicopters. Thus, one of the first to be tested was the GIAT AM-30781 30-mm automatic cannon and an aiming system operating in the optical and infrared ranges.

The successful tests of "Gerfo" made a certain impression on German specialists and on November 17, 1992 the command army aviation stated that 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 Gerfo option. The beginning of the new year 1993 turned out to be far from joyful for the board of the consortium, because 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 was once again 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. The fly in the ointment for Eurocopter was the deadline for the helicopters to enter service, which was pushed back to 2000. This created some commercial difficulties, since export deliveries were scheduled to begin in 1998. And the first buyer was supposed to be Great Britain. At the same time, the joint agreement set the task of developing new tactical and technical requirements for the Tiger, which was now intended to be used as a multi-purpose support helicopter under the designation UHV-2. It was planned to install the promising Trigat ATGM and a 27-mm Mauser automatic cannon placed in a ventral container. The set of sensors of the detection and surveillance system, as well as the computer of the combat information and control system, were also subject to modernization.

In 1994, the third prototype RT-3 was tested. They revealed: large bending moments of the main rotor (which was strengthened), excessive sensitivity of the duplex automatic system flight control, 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 and reduce vibration. The “quick” launch of the MTU MTR-390 turboshaft gas engines, developed by the British Rolls-Royce and the French Turbomeca, was also worked out. In particular, the control program for injectors and the first stages of compressors was adjusted.

In the mid-90s. potential buyers have not lost interest in the Tiger. Thus, the German government confirmed its initial intention to receive 212 combat helicopters. It is planned to equip four battalions with them: 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 testing and at the same time purchased basic spare parts for a total of $153 million. In the same year, experimental vehicles RT-4 and RT-5 were assembled in the NAR and PAH-2/NAS variants, 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 delivery of these helicopters to equip troops is expected no earlier than 1998-1999. The consortium board has also not yet received confirmation from Germany about the acquisition of these machines after 2005.

Prospects for the global arms market have also worsened. 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, one should expect serious competition 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 helicopter are already in mass production and, importantly, are much cheaper than the Tiger.

flight the next day

and drunkards with the eyes of rabbits, looking at us thoughtfully... and what are these holey gloves on the operator?

everyone is watching

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

who's first?

on the road

first hang and show yourself

The German Ministry of Defense has declared the European Tiger fire support helicopters (Eurocopter Tiger) unfit for use. The newspaper Die Welt reports this with reference to an official statement from the department.
The helicopters, produced by the European company EADS, were intended to arm the German contingent in Afghanistan. However, as stated in internal correspondence of the Ministry of Defense, their deliveries will be delayed due to numerous defects and shortcomings.

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

Eurocopter issued a statement saying that work to fix the problem was being carried out at an accelerated pace. The first combat-ready Tiger helicopters are expected to become available to the Bundeswehr no earlier than 2012.

Unit cost US$39 million

satisfied viewers

Modifications:
US Tigre is a multi-role 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 width fuselage: 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 take-off weight: 5300 - 6100 kg (depending on mission)
Maximum take-off weight: 6100 kg
Fuel mass in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB)
Fuel tank volume: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB)
Powerplant: 2 × MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshafts
Engine power: 2 × 1285 l. With. (2 × 958 kW (takeoff))

Flight characteristics

Maximum permissible speed: 322 km/h
Maximum speed: 278 km/h
Cruising speed: 230 km/h
Practical range: 800 km
Ferry range: 1280 km (with PTB)
Flight duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
with maximum fuel reserve: 3 hours 25 minutes
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 take-off weight)

planes are waiting for a break

Armament

Small arms 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 rockets: blocks of 22 on internal and 12 rockets on external nodes
Additional weapons: 12.7 mm machine guns with 250 rounds or PTB on internal units

P The Tiger attack helicopter, which has been entering service with the Bundeswehr ground forces since 2005, is assessed by the military-political leadership of Germany as one of the weapons systems that significantly increases combat capabilities this type of armed forces.

Operational characteristics

The German Army Command considers the Tiger as a universal protected combat system suitable for performing a wide range of tasks in the interests of the Army and Navy within the framework of operations of a national and international nature.

It is believed that, as an independent maneuverable combat element, the Tiger helicopter is capable of operating in areas difficult to reach for ground-based weapons systems (for example, due to terrain or infrastructure conditions), quickly reaching the combat zone, successfully closing gaps in combat formations, and significantly strengthen the fire capabilities of interacting units.

Attack helicopter The Tiger is designed to destroy significant ground and air targets, command posts, armored and other protected objects, as well as fire weapons deep in enemy territory. The helicopter's ability for flexible and highly maneuverable operations in wide areas and high firepower determine its high combat and operational significance.

Helicopter "Tiger" - growing pains

At the same time, the arrival of this species aviation technology Significant problems accompanied the troops.

According to the results of a comprehensive inventory of the main projects of new weapons, regularly carried out by the Federal Office for Armaments, Information Technology and Utilization of the Bundeswehr ( hereinafter BAAINBw), set out in the report of the Ministry of Defense to the German parliament in March 2018, the total time for the implementation of the Tiger program exceeded the planned time by more than 80 months, and at a cost of more than 934 million euros (+22%).

The development and supply of combat helicopters under the Tiger project began in 1984 with an intergovernmental agreement signed between Germany and France. Other partners were Spain and Australia, as an exporting country.

Within the framework of the project, work is carried out as follows: international level under the auspices of the “Joint Arms Cooperation Organization” ( Organization Conjointe de Cooperation en matiere d’Armement, OCCAR), and on a national scale under the control of BAAINBw. At the same time, the project received the designation “Tiger support helicopter” ( Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger,UHT). The main contractor for the project is Airbus Helicopter ( Airbus Helicopters, orEUROCOPTER).

Initially, in 1984, it was planned to purchase 212 vehicles for the German Armed Forces. After a change in the market situation and a reassessment of the nature of the threats in 1994, the German government decided to purchase a multi-role support helicopter instead of an anti-tank one. The agreement on the acquisition of the UH "Tiger" was signed in June 1999. Moreover, a feature of the German version of the design was the sight placed on the mast above the main rotor of the vehicle.

Delivery organization

The development and delivery of helicopters for the Bundeswehr took place in several stages and was accompanied by numerous changes and additions to the original project. The first six Tiger helicopters were delivered to Germany in 2005 in the so-called pre-production version. It could not be used in combat, but was intended for training pilots and technicians. The entire batch was placed at the disposal of the Franco-German training center in Le Luc.

The next five helicopters are of an advanced pre-production configuration (the so-called. basic level, version 002) the Bundeswehr received in 2008 and 2009. These machines are significantly to a greater extent corresponded to serial status. The first production samples of the Tiger attack helicopter began to enter service with the troops in 2010, six years late and in small quantities.

Against the backdrop of what was launched on October 4, 2011 by former German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizières and the established restrictions on major weapons systems, the requirement for helicopter purchases was revised and reduced to 80 vehicles. Later, in March 2013, the Ministry of Defense and the contractor signed another agreement (the so-called “German course”) to reduce the total number of equipment supplied to 68 units. In addition, it was envisaged that the contractor would buy back 11 previously delivered Tigers and would not sell spare parts for the last 10 helicopters to the Bundeswehr.

According to the report mentioned above, as of February 2018, Germany had received 65 Tiger helicopters. The remaining vehicles were expected to be received by the troops by the end of 2018. Of the total number, 68 helicopters, 45 Tigers are intended for ground forces. Of these, 32 vehicles are sent to the 36 Kurhaessen attack helicopter regiment ( Kampfhubschrauberregiment 36 "Kurhessen"), Fritzlar.

Equipment features of the UHT version

The Tiger attack helicopter in its production version (designation Mk I) at the turn of 2005 was characterized by a significant set of innovations. In particular, the vehicle received a duplicate layout of critical systems, a warning system for exposure to enemy radars, laser and other targeting systems. Equipment for disorienting enemy guided missiles with infrared and radar homing heads was mounted on the helicopter fuselage.

The commander-gunner's electronic equipment includes an OSIRIS mast-mounted sight with a daytime black-and-white channel, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder.

The cockpit equipment includes a side view system ( Pilot Sight Unit, PSU), predictive IR flight control support system ( Forward Looking Infrared-Flugführungsunterstützungssystem, FLIR).

Night vision devices are integrated into the helmets of both crew members. The equipment of the German Tiger version allows switching between night vision and FLIR, as well as between the residual light amplification system and thermal imaging, almost without delay during night flight conditions.

The helicopter's communications equipment includes a frequency modulated VHF radio ( FM), combined VHF/UHF ( VHF/ UHF) transmitter, as well as a HF radio station ( HF) range. In addition, the Tiger is equipped with an operational support unit with a battlefield management system ( Battlefield Management System). The system allows you to exchange data via radio channel with a ground command post regarding changes in the situation and combat missions.

Armament

The wings (pylons) of the helicopter have four weapon hardpoints. Two Stinger missiles with a firing range of 5 km are attached to two external nodes. Two internal hardpoints allow you to install one of the following weapons:

• 12.7 mm GunPod HMP coaxial machine gun with a firing range of up to 1500 m (400 rounds of ammunition);
• launch container 70 mm NUR (16 missiles, range 6 km), or ATGM “Hot” launcher (4 missiles, range 4 km);
• PU ATGM PARS 3 (4 missiles, range – 6000m).

Development of combat capabilities

At the same time, according to experts, performance characteristics As the Tiger Mk I models entered service with the troops, they no longer met the changing requirements of combat and the capabilities of the protection systems of modern models of armored vehicles. In particular, 12 helicopters sent to Afghanistan in the interests of carrying out the ISAF mission were modified to the Asgard version specially developed for this purpose ( Afghanistan StabilizationGerman Army Rapid Deployment“ ‐ Full, ASGARD‐ F).

The modification included improvements to crew ballistic protection and software reliability, as well as the installation of a multi-band radio with SatCom/TacSat functionality and sand filters for engines. In addition, the ability to record the progress of a combat mission (as a legal requirement) has been implemented.

In the period until June 30, 2014, Asgard version helicopters flew 260 combat missions (1,860 flight hours) and received generally positive ratings.

Experience in operating the Asgard variant in Afghanistan and proposals from the troops served as the basis for identifying measures aimed at increasing the combat capabilities of the helicopter as part of the package of requirements for the Tiger attack helicopter in the Mk II version.

Further improvement of the helicopter performance characteristics should include:

• increasing the firing accuracy of 70 mm missiles by equipping them with a laser homing head;
• possibility of using a 70 mm Top missile launcher on an external sling ( Tiger Helicopter Outer Rockets,THOR);
• anti-laser protection against mixed and infrared lasers for the crew;
• increase in combat range due to the installation of an additional fuel tank ( Combat Fuel Tank);
• installation of a commander's laser pointer ( Commanders Laserpointer) to simplify interaction with ground forces;
• further improvement of ballistic protection for the crew.

At the same time, it is planned to bring 40 ground vehicles to the ability to use the Asgard equipment set, and increase the number of such sets to 24 units. This re-equipment was planned to begin in 2018 and be completed by 2024.

Anti-obsolescence and further development

Since the loss of the combat potential of the helicopter by the mid-2020s due to the obsolescence of its systems is inevitable, in 2012 the “Program for Guaranteeing the Combat Capabilities of the Tiger Helicopter” was launched ( Tiger Capability Assurance Program, TCAP). The program is managed by a working group ( Tiger-Capability Assurance Working Group,TCG), whose members are the countries participating in the Tiger Project.

The goal is to maintain the helicopter's combat capabilities and, where possible, expand its combat potential within the existing concept. A multinational approach is believed to offer the best hope of achieving maximum synergies, and key methods should be managing the obsolescence of systems and timely replacement with new promising models.

A promising version of the helicopter was designated Tiger Mk III. In the interests of grouping the characteristics of the Mk III modification, which already go far beyond the current capabilities of the helicopter, special tables of requirements have been developed within the working group ( Tiger Update Requirement Sheets, TURS). The tables are grouped by more than 50 indicators, including: weapons, communications, radar equipment, control and navigation systems, software, electronic warfare, human-machine interface, interaction with UAVs, avionics architecture, maintainability and others.

The requirements tables became the basis for an 18-month joint military-industry study that began in July 2015. The study was intended to provide a general understanding of existing helicopter architecture retrofit capabilities, program risks, technology challenges, tolerances and costs.

On the part of the Bundeswehr, the Air Force Development Directorate takes an active part in the work on the Mk III ( Amt für Heeresentwicklung) . The start of deliveries of the Tiger helicopter in the Mk III version is planned for 2024. It is assumed that the new version of the vehicle will meet future challenges and requirements for the combat capabilities of Bundeswehr attack helicopters for the foreseeable period until 2040.

Thus, the Tiger helicopter entering service with the German Army has high combat characteristics. There have been delays in helicopter deliveries due to numerous improvements to the original design. Deliveries of the Mk I version to the Bundeswehr were completed in 2018. The total number of helicopters is 68 units.

The command of the German Armed Forces expects to upgrade the Tiger to the Mk II version by 2024, and from 2024 it expects delivery promising helicopter"Tiger" Mk III. The latter option, according to experts, will satisfy the requirements of the Bundeswehr ground forces for the period until 2040.

Based on materials from the magazine “Europäische Sicherheit &Technik”

Eurocopter Tiger (Airbus Helicopters Tiger) - a twin-engine attack helicopter created in the early 1990s and put into operation in 2003 by the Eurocopter concern. In Germany it is called Tiger, in France - Tigre.

History of Tiger

In 1984, the Armed Forces of France and Germany presented official requirements for a promising multi-role combat helicopter. The development and creation of the new machine was entrusted to a joint venture between Aerospatiale and MBB. However, already in 1986 the project was canceled due to the prohibitive cost of the helicopter, which had to be created from scratch, as well as doubts about the need for their purchase. The German Armed Forces considered it more efficient and cheaper to purchase a limited batch of American-made AH-64 Apache helicopters.

However, by 1987, after the reorganization of the joint concern and optimization in order to reduce costs, the project was resumed. By 1989, a joint preliminary design of the future machine was ready.

In 1989, five prototypes were created at the Marignane and Donauwörth plants and were selected as production sites. Three prototypes had no weapons, and two more tested on-board weapons. The first prototype took off in 1991.

In 1992, the joint venture between Aerospatiale and MBB was reorganized into the Eurocopter Group. Most of the projects of both companies were included in the new concern, including Tiger.

After flight tests, the project stalled. Cold War ended and the military budgets of European countries began to be sharply cut. However, the Tiger project continued to develop, although it did not avoid crossings and stretching the duration of work. Now the Germans needed not only an anti-tank helicopter (the Soviet shock armies were no longer a threat), but also a reconnaissance helicopter, an escort and a support helicopter. It was not until 1999 that France and Germany placed official orders for 160 helicopters. In 2005, the first production vehicles began to be delivered to the troops.

In the 1990s, the main potential customers for export Tiger helicopters were supposed to be the UK and the Netherlands. Eurocopter paid a lot of attention to these countries, but, with military budgets being cut and work delaying the introduction of helicopters into mass production, both countries abandoned the model in favor. Later, already in the 2000s, after the start of deliveries to the armies of France and Germany, the military from Spain and Australia placed their orders for these helicopters. It is planned to conclude contracts for supplies in South Korea, Brazil, Malaysia and Qatar.

Description: demonstration flights of Eurocopter Tiger helicopters

Tiger design

Eurocopter Tiger is created according to the classic single-rotor design with a tail rotor

When creating it, the latest technical achievements were used: composite materials, a helmet-mounted sight, digital radio-electronic systems, helmet-mounted indicators for pilots, etc. The presence of durable chassis structures, a power package and seat reservations allow the crew to emergency situations withstand landing at speeds up to 11.5 m/s. Double crew cabin with shock-absorbing armored seats arranged in tandem on at different levels: The pilot is in front and the operator is behind.

The fuselage, made entirely of composite materials, can withstand hits from projectiles of up to 23 mm caliber. The shape of the cockpit with a sliding armored glass canopy minimizes light and radar reflections.

The four-bladed main rotor uses elastomeric bearings. New aerodynamic profiles have been developed for the blades: the ends of the blades are swept and bent down to improve hovering performance.

The power plant consists of two Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 gas turbine engines with a power of 1285 hp, installed side by side. The transmission is equipped with a two-stage gearbox capable of operating without lubrication for 30 minutes; its excess strength allows it to withstand impacts from 12.7 mm bullets.

The PAH-2 Tiger helicopter is the first production helicopter to feature liquid crystal displays on its instrument panel, allowing readings to be read in any lighting conditions. There is also a binocular helmet-mounted sight for aiming weapons; control system with two redundant channels (mechanical and fly-by-wire).

Modifications

• UH Tiger(from Unterstützungshubschrauber - support helicopter) is a medium multi-role close support helicopter created for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). The helicopter is equipped with PARS 3 LR (fire and forget) missiles, HOT3 anti-tank missiles, as well as 70 mm unguided missiles. To combat air targets, the helicopter can be equipped with AIM-92 Stinger missiles. 12.7 mm cannons can be mounted on the helicopter.
• Tiger HAP/ HCP(Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection - support and escort helicopter, as well as Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent - multi-role combat helicopter) - a medium helicopter for combating ground and air targets, created for the French Armed Forces. It is equipped with a 30 mm cannon, 68 mm SNEB unguided missiles, 20 mm mounted machine guns, as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles.
• Tiger HAD(Hélicoptère d’Appui Destruction or Helicoptero de Apoyo y Destrucción in Spanish) is a modification initially similar to the HAP version, but more adapted for direct combat in conditions of active counteraction. The uprated MTR390 engine has 14% more thrust, and the design is better protected from bullet attacks. Created for the Spanish Armed Forces. Equipped with Hellfire II and Spike ER missiles.
• Tiger ARH(Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter - combat reconnaissance helicopter) - a modification created for the Australian Army to replace the OH-58 Kaiwa and UH-1 Iroquois. Tiger ARH is an upgraded version of the Tiger HAP, with laser designators and guidance systems for Hellfire II missiles installed. Instead of standard unguided rockets, the helicopter is equipped with 70-mm rockets from the Belgian company FZ (Forges de Zeebrugge).

The PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter is designed to conduct reconnaissance and combat enemy armored vehicles and helicopters. In 1987, France and Germany, as part of the development companies Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm and Aerospatiale, formed the Eurocopter consortium with a branch in Paris and began developing 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 design costs, both sides combined the French and German anti-tank models into one project SATN (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 from Martin-Marietta, they decided to install a European set of MEP equipment on the helicopter, which included a sleeve sight, a surveillance system and a fire control system. At the same time, the French army confirmed its interest in receiving a close fire support helicopter. On April 27, 1991, the PT-1 Tiger flew for the first time. During the tests, a comprehensive assessment of flight characteristics, airframe subsystems, main and tail rotor hubs, 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 vibrations in the yaw channel.

In 1991, due to the collapse of the USSR and the unification of Germany, funding for the project was significantly reduced, and the state order for the expected supply of the helicopter was almost halved (from 218 helicopters to 138). Germany's reduction in the number of helicopters purchased slowed down work on the project and preparations for mass production. Only in June 1992 was the assembly of the second experimental helicopter PT-2 completed, which was intended for testing on-board 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, receiving at this time the name "Zherfo" (kochet). To save time and money, French specialists, simultaneously with flight tests of this machine, were testing the weapon system and part of the electronic equipment for it on Puma helicopters. Thus, one of the first to be tested was the GIAT AM-30781 30-mm automatic cannon and an aiming system operating in the optical and infrared ranges.

The successful tests of the Gerfo made a good impression on military experts, and on November 17, 1992, the Army Aviation Command announced that plans for the purchase of all-weather anti-tank PAH-2 Tiger were most likely not final and might be adjusted in favor of the Gerfo option. But the beginning of 1993 turned out to be completely bleak for the Eurocopter concern; the German government reduced the state order of purchased PAH-2 Tiger helicopters to 78 machines. The project was again under threat of closure. However, on May 29, 1993, the military commands of Germany and France entered into an agreement, according to which both parties confirmed their further participation in the development of the new helicopter. Meanwhile, the planned delivery date for new PAH-2 Tiger helicopters into service was postponed to 2000.

This decision entailed commercial difficulties, since the first export deliveries to the British armed forces were already planned for 1998. 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 intended to be used as a multi-role support helicopter under the designation UHV-2. It was planned to install the promising Trigat ATGM and a 27-mm Mauser automatic cannon placed in a ventral container. The set of sensors of the detection and surveillance system, as well as the computer of the combat information and control system, were also subject to modernization.

In 1994, the third prototype RT-3 was tested. They revealed: large bending moments of the main rotor (which was strengthened), 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 and reduce vibration. The “quick” launch of the MTU MTR-390 turboshaft gas engines, developed by the British Rolls-Royce and the French Turbomeca, was also worked out. In particular, the control program for injectors and the first stages of compressors was adjusted. After modifications, 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, and the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar.

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

In the mid-90s. potential buyers have not lost interest in the PAH-2 Tiger. Thus, the German government confirmed its initial 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 basic spare parts for a total of $153 million. In the same year, experimental vehicles RT-4 and RT-5 were assembled in the NAR and PAH-2/NAS variants, respectively. They were used for full-scale weapons testing.

Soon, the German Ministry of Defense declared the PAH-2 Tiger fire support helicopters unfit 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, to date the department has received only 11 helicopters, and due to “serious defects” all of them were declared unusable. Eurocopter issued a statement saying that work to fix the problem was being carried out at an accelerated pace. The first combat-ready Tiger helicopters are expected to become available to the Bundeswehr no earlier than 2012.

The helicopter is designed according to the traditional design with one semi-rigid rotor. When creating it, the latest technical achievements were used: composite materials (Kevlar, elastomeric bearings and fiberglass, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics), a helmet-mounted sight, digital electronic systems, helmet-mounted indicators for pilots, etc. The presence of durable chassis structures, power components and seat armor allows the crew in emergency situations, maintain landing speeds of up to 11.5 m/s. The crew cabin is two-seater 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 hits from projectiles of 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 light and radar reflections (the rest of the fuselage is also designed in accordance with this principle).

The design of the four-blade main rotor uses elastomeric bearings (tapered and radial). New aerodynamic profiles have been developed for the blades: the ends of the blades are swept and bent down to improve hovering performance. Large joint spacing determines good characteristics maneuverability. The "spheri-flex" tail rotor (with a titanium sleeve and split gum blades) provides good yaw control characteristics.

The power plant of the PAH-2 Tiger consists of two MTR390 gas turbine engines with a power of 1285 hp, installed side by side. The transmission is equipped with a two-stage gearbox capable of operating without lubrication for 30 minutes; its excess strength allows it to withstand impacts from 12.7 mm bullets. The fuel system is duplicated, equipped with protected tanks with a volume of 1360 liters.

The PAH-2 Tiger helicopter is the first production helicopter to have 15.2 x 15.2 cm liquid crystal displays on its instrument panel, allowing readings in any lighting conditions. There is also a binocular helmet-mounted sight for aiming weapons; control system with two redundant channels (mechanical and fly-by-wire).

PAH and HAC helicopters differ mainly only in their weapons systems. The PAH helicopter's 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 30 mm caliber GIAT FV-30781 mobile cannon with ammunition of 450 (on the NAR version) and 150 shells (on the NAS model), 4 air-to-air missiles and NAR units. Depending on the variant, the sight can be installed above the main rotor hub or in the forward fuselage.

Modification of PAH-2 Tiger
Main 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, kW
at takeoff 2 x 958
during flight 2 x 873
Maximum speed, km/h 280
Cruising 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 Mistral and/or FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles
Impact Configuration:
4 Mistral air-to-air missiles together with a cannon
68x68 mm NUR SNEB or 44x68 mm NUR and 4 Mistral missiles