Tiger combat helicopter. Attack helicopter "Tiger" of the Bundeswehr Army Aviation. Who is who

In 1984, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blom and Aerospatial began joint development of a new anti-tank helicopter for Germany and France, and in 1987, after the approval of the Franco-German joint program based on the projects proposed by the companies, two anti-tank helicopters for the German armies and France and a close support combat helicopter for the French army, it was decided to develop them in the 1990s; the development contract was signed on September 28, 1988. Management of the program was divided equally between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blom (MBB) and Aerospatiale.

To develop this program, the Eurocopter consortium was created, whose leadership was located in Paris. Responsible for the program was the German Federal Office for Defense Equipment and Weapon Systems Procurement.

The high cost of the initially proposed three helicopter options was the reason for the temporary suspension of the program in 1986 with a reassessment of the requirements for helicopters and their characteristics. In 1988, the program was continued on the basis of the development of an anti-tank helicopter common to both countries and a variant of a close support helicopter for the French army. The decision on full-scale development was made on December 8, 1987. The following helicopter options are being developed:

RAN-2 (Panzerabwehr Hubschzauber) “Tiger” is a second-generation version of the anti-tank helicopter for the German army. The start of deliveries is scheduled for 1998. The underwing pylons can accommodate up to eight Hot ATGMs and four Stinger air-to-air missiles for self-defense. There is an over-the-sleeve sighting system that includes a TV camera, an on-board Flir IR system, a tracking device and a laser rangefinder; There is also a Flir surveillance system located in the nose of the helicopter and intended for the pilot. In the future, instead of the "Hot" ATGM, the helicopter's armament could be up to 8 Euromissile "Trigat" fire-and-forget ATGMs with an IR guidance system and long range flight or four ATGM "Trigat" and four "Hot-2".

US (Helicoptere Anti Char) "Tiger" is an anti-tank version of the helicopter for the French army. The start of deliveries is planned for 1998. The wing pylons can accommodate up to 8 Hot-2 or Trigat ATGMs and four Mistral air-to-air missiles. The helmet-mounted sight and the Flir system for the pilot are the same as those of the RAN-2 helicopter.

NAR (Helicoptere d "Appui Protection) "Gerfaut" is a helicopter version for escort and close support for the French army. Deliveries are scheduled for 1997. The helicopter is armed with a GIAT AM-30781 automatic cannon of 30 mm caliber with 150-450 rounds, located on a turret under the bow part. On the pylons under the wing there are four Mistral air-to-air missiles with IR guidance and two containers with 22 SNEB 68 mm NAR. Instead of each pair of Mistral missiles, a container with 12 NAR can be installed. On top The cockpit is equipped with a television camera, an on-board IR system "Flir" for detecting targets in the forward hemisphere, a laser range finder and directional optical systems.

Under the program, five experimental helicopters were built, including three without weapons, to test the basic airframe and systems common to the two countries. The first flight of the first experimental helicopter RT1 took place on April 27, 1991 at the flight test center in France, and the first flight of the second helicopter RT2 in April 1992 and the third experimental helicopter in November 1993. Radio-electronic equipment will be tested on helicopters RT2 and RTZ ; the RT4 helicopter will be built in the NAR version, and the RT5 helicopter will be built in the RAN-2/NAR version. After completion of initial flight tests, the RT2 and RTZ helicopters will be converted to the NAR and RAN-2/NAR variants, respectively, for the weapons testing program.

According to preliminary estimates, 212 RAN-2 helicopters will be required for Germany, 75 NAR-2 helicopters and 140 NAS helicopters for France; the cost of the helicopter development program is about 1.4 billion dollars, the price of the RAN-2 helicopter is 11.7 million dollars, NAS is 11.1 million dollars, NAR is 9.35 million dollars.

DESIGN. A single-rotor helicopter with a tail rotor, two gas turbine engines, and a tricycle landing gear.

The fuselage, wings and tail are made of CM, taking into account the requirements for safe damageability of structures and systems (MIL STD -1290 standards) and are able to withstand damage when hit by 23 mm caliber projectiles. The fuselage and wings are made primarily of carbon fiber, while the fairings are made of fiberglass or Kevlar. The wing has a span of 4.5 m, straight, of low aspect ratio, with downward end parts and pylons for placing weapons. The vertical tail is swept-back and consists of a large fin, two washers at the ends of the stabilizer and a ventral fin. The fin has an asymmetrical profile, and the washers are set at an angle to create a lateral force that relieves the tail rotor in flight. The stabilizer is straight, with a span of 3.6 m.

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 (gunner) is behind.

The landing gear is fixed, tricycle, with a tail wheel. Designed to allow landing at a vertical speed of 6 m/s.

The main rotor is four-bladed 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 elasgomer bearings in the axial hinges. This bushing design allows for quick installation of the over-bushing sight and is characterized by compactness, strength, low aerodynamic drag, very few 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.

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.

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/1285 hp. s., maximum continuous power 873 kW/1170 l. With. Engine length 1.08 m, width 0.44 m, height 0.68 m, dry weight 169 kg.

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 12.7 mm bullets. The main gearbox is mounted on supports equipped with devices to reduce vibrations.

The fuel system is redundant and consists of protected fuel tanks of a securely damaged design with a total volume of 1360 liters.

The control system is duplicated, and the mechanical elements of the control system are also duplicated. There is an automatic duplicate control and auto-stabilization system CSAS (Control and Stability Augmentation System) via pitch, roll and yaw control channels, as well as collective pitch, combined with the autopilot.

The electrical system includes two 20 kVA AC generators and two DC transformer-rectifier units (300 A/29 V), as well as rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries with a capacity of 23 Ah, located on a buffer device in each closed DC circuit. If necessary, duplication of power supply to devices is provided.

The avionics are common to all helicopter variants, using a dual digital data bus.

Using two central digital computers, information for the pilot and gunner is displayed on displays in the cockpit. The issuance of flight information for the pilot is also duplicated by conventional instruments. The navigation subsystem includes speed and azimuth indicators, Doppler radar, radar altimeter and magnetometer. The subsystem performs autonomous navigation functions, as well as flight path calculations, and provides the necessary data for CSAS and equipment to perform combat missions. There is a combined radar/laser threat warning system that allows you to determine, identify and classify the type of threat, and the possibility of using electronic warfare equipment is provided.

A set of equipment for anti-tank operations, based on the MIL-STD-1553B backup data bus, includes an IR night vision system for the pilot and a combined system of a helmet-mounted sight and indicator. The shooter's over-the-gun sight has optical and IR channels with different zones review. The surveillance stabilized system provides tracking of one or more targets and includes a laser rangefinder and an indicator located in the cockpit.

The equipment for performing helicopter combat missions in the escort and combat support version is also based on the MIL-STD-1553B backup data bus, which connects fire control with the control computer backup data bus, gunner's sight, windshield indicator, gun turret, NAR, missile launcher air-to-air class, helmet-mounted sights for the pilot and gunner, as well as their fire control units. Depending on the purpose of the helicopter, some of its equipment may change.

Armament. The Tiger and Gerfo helicopters differ in the composition of their weapons. The main armament options for the Tiger helicopter are: 8 Hot anti-tank guided missiles and 4 Mistral or Stinger missiles; 8 ATGMs "Trigat" and 4 missiles "Mistral" or "Stinger"; 4 ATGMs "Trigat", 4 ATGMs "Hot" and 4 missiles "Mistral" or "Stinger"; 2 PTB for ferry flights. The main armament options for the Gerfo helicopter are: 30 mm cannon with 450 rounds of ammunition; cannon and 4 Mistral missiles; cannon and 44 NAR and 4 Mistral missiles; cannon and 68 NAR; gun and 2 PTB.

Dimensions, m:

length with rotating screws 15.82

fuselage length 14

fuselage width 1

wingspan 4.5

helicopter height to main rotor hub 3.81 main rotor diameter 13

swept area, m? 132.7

Engines: 2 MTU Rolls-Royce gas turbine engines

Turbomeka MTR 390 takeoff power, kW/l. With. 2 x 958/2 x 1285

Weights and loads, kg:

maximum takeoff 6000

when performing combat missions 5300-5600

empty helicopter 3300

Flight data:

cruising speed, km/h 250-280

maximum rate of climb, m/s 10

static ceiling, m 2000

maximum duration

The Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Tiger is a four-blade, twin-engine helicopter that began service in 2003. Produced by the successor helicopter division of Aérospatiale and DASA.

Short review

Development of the Tiger helicopter began during the Cold War. It was originally intended as an anti-tank platform to fight against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. During the work on the aircraft, the Soviet Union collapsed, but France and Germany chose to continue the project with the goal of creating a multi-purpose attack helicopter. It reached operational capability in 2008.

The Eurocopter Tiger was the first composite helicopter developed in Europe. Its early models featured advanced features such as a glass cockpit, low-observability technology and high maneuverability, enhancing its combat survivability. Since then, improved versions have been introduced, equipped with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. They were used in battles in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.

The Tiger performs a wide range of combat missions, including combat reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-tank and close-in air support, escort and facility protection. The helicopter is capable of operating day and night, in any weather and in conditions of nuclear, biological or chemical warfare. The Tiger can also be used at sea, taking off and landing on the deck of ships, including frigates, in extreme weather conditions. The helicopter features a high level of maneuverability, much of which is due to the design of its 13-meter, 4-blade main rotor. The Tiger can perform aerobatic maneuvers such as “loops” and maneuvers with negative G-forces. Its power comes from two MTR390 turboshaft engines controlled by FADEC.

Development history

The Eurocopter Tiger is a relatively new attack helicopter developed jointly by the French and German governments. It belongs to the same class as the American Hughes AH-64 Apache, Russian Ka-50, Italian Agusta A129 and South African Denel AH-2.

The idea of ​​creating a joint venture to produce a powerful attack helicopter arose in the mid-1980s. Then the French aviation company Aerospatiale and the German bureau MVB took up the work. Despite the program's financial problems and its closure after just 2 years, the project was resurrected in 1987. At the end of 1989, a contract for the construction of five prototypes was signed, and the first Tiger flew in April 1991. By 1992, the joint Aerospatiale and MBB were reorganized into the Eurocopter Group. Tiger production began in 2002, with deliveries starting the following year.

The EC665 Tiger was developed for France and Germany in three configurations: as a multi-role fire support (UHT) helicopter for the German army, a multi-role attack (HAD) and combat support (HAP) helicopter for the French army. First production flight Tiger models HAP took place in March 2003. France ordered 80 vehicles (40 HAP and 40 HAD), and Germany ordered 80 combat support helicopters. The first Tiger UHT was delivered in April 2005. In total, it was planned to purchase 120 Tigers for France and 120 for Germany.

In September 2003, Spain selected a fire support helicopter version armed with Rafael Spike-ER anti-tank missiles and Mistral air-to-air systems. 24 vehicles were ordered with an improved MTR390E engine and a larger payload. The first 6 HAP version helicopters were delivered to Spain in 2007 and converted to HAD.

France initially placed an order for 70 HAP and 10 anti-tank HAC, but this was changed to 40 HAP and 40 HAD in December 2005. Spain and France signed a contract to develop the helicopter in December 2004. Tiger HAD first flew in December 2007.

Design

The Tiger is capable of flying at low altitude, making it very vulnerable to enemy ground fire or natural obstacles. Therefore, issues of survival aircraft given top priority. The helicopter fuselage is armored in such a way that it can withstand a direct hit from a 23 mm projectile. This is achieved through the use of Kevlar, titanium and aluminum construction with carbon fiber reinforced polymer. makes up at least 80% of the composite, titanium - 6%, and aluminum - 11%. Frames and beams are made of Kevlar and carbon laminates. The panels are made from Nomex honeycomb material with an outer layer of carbon and Kevlar. Inside this highly effective shell is lightning protection, advanced radio electronics (including GPS, radars and computers) and a targeting system built into the crew's helmets.

The blades are made of fiber composite. Structures and surfaces that reflect radar radiation have been kept to a minimum.

Externally, the Eurocopter Tiger follows the design philosophy of modern helicopters. The crew of two is housed in a two-seat cabin with a stepped layout with forward, overhead and side visibility. Unlike other attack helicopters, the pilot is located at the front. The entrance to his cabin is located on the left, and the gunner's cockpit is on the right. The seats are slightly offset from the central axis to improve visibility from every position. The nose has a noticeable slope, and the narrow fuselage takes advantage of the flat sides with rounded edges. Chassis fixed and consists of two front wheels and a tail wheel at the rear. The helicopter is equipped with a main vertical stabilizer with two additional vertical fins extending from its base. The engines are located near the center of gravity of the machine.

The navigation system consists of two Thales Avionique three-axis ring laser gyros, two magnetometers, two flight computers, a BAE Systems Canada CMA 2012 4-beam Doppler radar, a radio altimeter, a global positioning system and a set of low airspeed sensors.

The armament for the Tiger series is located under the wings. The helicopter can be equipped with air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-tank missiles. The wings are located directly behind and below the cockpit and have an excellent polyhedral camber. The weapon that is mounted on the front depends on the customer's choice. For example, French models were equipped with a 30 mm GIAT 30 cannon, and German ones were equipped with a 30 mm Rheinmetall.

Main characteristics:

• dimensions: 14.08 x 13 x 3.83 m;
• main/steering rotor diameter: 13/2.7 m;
• maximum weight/without load: 6/3.06 t;
• speed: 315 km/h;
• lifting speed: 642 m/min;
• flight range: 800 km;
• maximum flight altitude: 13 km.

Crew

The helicopter is equipped with a glass cockpit with two seats and is controlled by a crew of two. The pilot is in the front and the gunner is seated in the back. Any crew member can control weapons or primary flight controls, changing roles if necessary. In addition to flying the helicopter, the Tiger pilot typically controls defense and communications systems, as well as some minor weapons functions. Some weapons (such as the Trigat anti-tank missile) have special control interfaces, and air-to-air missiles can be controlled using the controls of both crew members.

Cabin

Each cockpit is equipped with two multi-function color displays from Thales Avionique and VDO Luftfahrtgerate Werk, displaying the gunner's sight, FLIR and Dornier/VDO Eurogrid digital map generator video.

The French Tigre is equipped with TopOwl sights manufactured by Thales Avionique, which are mounted on the helmets of both crew members and as a display in the cockpit. Tiger helicopter teams in Germany are equipped with helmets with day and night vision systems. Australian versions of the helmets are equipped with a sighting display manufactured by ADI.

Each cabin has a control and display unit that controls the navigation and communication systems. It includes a data input device and a removable memory unit pre-programmed with mission data at the ground station.

Means of protection

EADS Defense Electronics provides an EWS suite that includes a radar, laser, missile warning system, Thales central processing unit and MBDA's SAPHIR-M chaff and IR decoy. A similar system is installed on the NH 90 helicopter. For the Spanish Tigers, kits electronic warfare produced by Indra.

Power point

The characteristics of the helicopter are impressive: its maximum speed is 315 km/h, and its flight range is 800 km (and up to 1300 km due to the use of additional fuel tanks). The 4-blade propeller and 3-blade tail rotor are powered by two Rolls-Royce MTR390 engines. The sight can be mounted above the main rotor by reducing the maximum speed to 290 km/h. The tail propeller is located on the right side of the tail.

The Tiger HAP and UHT models are equipped with two MTR390 turbo engines producing 960 kW (1,285 hp). Their self-locking, impact-resistant fuel tanks are equipped with an explosion suppression system and check valves.

The Tiger HAD is equipped with two advanced MTR390-E engines with a power of 1094 kW (1467 hp).

Tiger UHT

Tiger UHT helicopters are equipped with a SAGEM Osiris sight with an infrared charge-coupled device camera (IRCCD) and a laser rangefinder. The nose has a FLIR infrared sensor with a viewing angle of 40° x 30°.

The Tiger can be equipped with 4 MBDA Mistral or Raytheon Stinger missiles. The air-to-air system controls are located on the flight control stick. Target acquisition is done manually using a joystick or automatically. The FIM-92 Stinger missile, also produced under license from EADS (formerly LFK), is equipped with a 1-kg warhead and has a range of up to 5 km. The Mistral warhead weighs 3 kg and has a flight range of 6 km.

The multi-role fire support helicopter "Tiger" is equipped with an ATGM to launch anti-tank Euromissile HOT 3 and Euromissile TRIGAT LR, controlled by a gunner. Only one type of weapon is activated at a time.

The TRIGAT LR missile has a range of 500 to 5000 m and can be used in direct attack or dive modes.

HOT 3 has a flight range of up to 4000 m.

In June 2006, Germany placed a contract for the supply of PARS 3 (TRIGAT LR) missiles. By 2014, 680 units were delivered to arm the German Tiger UHT helicopter.

The Australian Tiger ARH is equipped with an M299 launcher for the Hellfire II, as well as 70 mm rockets.

Tiger HAD

The French Tiger HAD helicopters are armed with eight laser-guided Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles with a range of more than 8 km.

The Spanish HAD is armed with an air-to-ground Rafael Spike-ER.

The modification is also armed with a 30 mm Nexter cannon, 70 mm missiles and 4 Mistrals. A Sagem Strix optical aiming system is installed above the cockpit.

In December 2015, the French Defense Acquisition Agency (DGA) placed an order for 7 combat Tiger HADs. In December 2017, French aviation received its first modified helicopter manufactured by Airbus.

Tiger ARH

The Tiger ARH reconnaissance helicopter, produced for Australia, is equipped with an M299 launcher for the Hellfire II, and is also armed with 70 mm Hydra missiles, a 30 mm Nexter cannon and 4 Stinger air-to-air systems.

In December 2001, the Tiger ARH was ordered by the Australian Army in a quantity of 22 units. It is a modified version of the HAP Tiger with upgraded MTR390 engines, a laser designator included in the Strix Hellfire II air-to-ground missile sight, and M299 smart launchers.

The Tiger ARH first flew in February 2004 and began deliveries in December 2004. Commissioned in 2008

Eurocopter Australian Aerospace has established a local production facility in Australia to assemble helicopters and manufacture spare parts. ADI Ltd is a major subcontractor responsible for the operation of the mission and communications systems.

Tiger HAP

As a combat support helicopter, the HAP Tiger is equipped with a cannon for close combat, 68 mm missiles for medium and long range and Mistrals for combating air threats. The model is armed with a 30 mm turret cannon and either four Mistrals and 44 missiles or 68 missiles. Only one type of weapon can be activated at a time.

The French Army Tiger HAP helicopter is equipped with a Nexter 30mm AM-30781 automatic cannon. The rate of fire is 750 rounds per minute. Tiger NAR is also armed with four Mistrals and two overhead containers, each of which can accommodate 22 68-mm SNEB missiles.

The Tiger HAP is equipped with a SAGEM Strix over-the-cockpit optical aiming system mounted on a gyro-stabilized platform, infrared and charge-coupled device television cameras, a laser rangefinder and a direct optical sight.

The helicopter can be deployed on French Navy ships of the Mistral and Foudre classes and on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

How much does a helicopter cost?

"Tiger" is produced in 4 main versions, intended for different countries. Today helicopters are used by Spain, France, Germany, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Australian Tigers are assembled in Australia, and Saudi Arabia signed a contract in 2006 for the supply of 142 units of several versions.

The cost of one Tiger is from 27 to 35 million euros, and the entire program is 14.5 billion euros. It is difficult to say exactly how much a helicopter costs, since its price depends on the specific implementation. For example, "Tiger HAD" is estimated at 44-48 million US dollars.

Overall, the Eurocopter Tiger is expected to remain in service in Europe and beyond for a long time. In May 2018, the governments of France and Germany approved the third modernization of the helicopter, thanks to which the machine will remain competitive until 2040.

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, which received 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, located 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 kit 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. The large joint spacing results in good maneuverability characteristics. 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 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).

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 part of the 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, kWt
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