Airbus Helicopters’ has delivered the first two HAD Block 2 version Tiger attack helicopters to French Army.
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The “Block 2” version has full capability of the HAD version, including improved targeting accuracy for rockets, addition of combat external fuel tanks that provide longer flight times while still enabling the full complement of armament to be used, an extension of the flight domain in which Spike and Hellfire anti-tank missiles can be fired, and the integration of digital communications for operations in today’s digital battlefield.
The HAD block 2 are also capable of naval operations, allowing ship borne and in sea environment missions.
The delivery follows qualification by the French General Directorate for Armament on November 21.
The HAD Block 2 fleet will be operated by GAMSTAT (the aero-mobility group belonging to the technical “section” of the French Army), then assigned to the 1st Army Combat Helicopter Regiment, located at the Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base in France’s Moselle region. This unit already operates HAD Block 1helicopters, which have been deployed to the Central African Republic.
To date, Airbus Helicopters has delivered more than 110 Tiger helicopters to France, Germany, Spain and Australia – a total which includes six HAD Block 1 attack helicopters for the French Army, along with 40 in the HAP support and escort configuration.
The Tiger fleet have proven their capabilities during operational deployments in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Libya and Mali.
