Eurocopter and UK MoD Sign Contract for Puma Upgrade Assessment

Eurocopter, PARIS AIR SHOW 2007: Eurocopter has today been awarded by the UK’s Ministry of Defence an Assessment Phase (AP) contract for the Life Extension Programme for the RAF’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters. 
 
The programme will be based on a comprehensive upgrades, including new Turbomeca Makila engines, a ‘glass’ cockpits, and new communications, navigation and defensive systems for up to 35 of the RAF Puma Mk1 helicopters. 
 
The new Pumas, which will be designated Puma HC Mk2, will consequently be capable of remaining in service until around 2022. Their performance and payload will be significantly enhanced, particularly in hot and high conditions. 
 
The Assessment Phase, scheduled for the next 12 months, will consider the detailed technical, operational and cost implications of the upgrade. Successful completion of the AP will lead to a full Development and Manufacture contract for delivery of the main programme. 
 
In a development reflecting the Defence Industrial Strategy’s emphasis on an improved business environment, Eurocopter and the MOD will manage the AP in a Joint Project Office, soon to open in Bristol. 
 
As the backbone of the RAF’s fleet of medium lift helicopters, the Pumas continue to play a vital role in operational theatres such as Iraq, delivering very high operational readiness levels. 
 
Commenting on the announcement, DG Helicopters Jonathan Lyle said: 
 
“The contract represents an important new phase in our relationship with Eurocopter. It offers the RAF the prospect of significantly enhanced Puma capability. We look forward to working with Eurocopter in the integrated Joint Project Office and to building a better understanding of how to enhance and sustain the UK Puma fleet into the future.”  
 
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.