French Army Aviation Receives Delivery of First Tiger HAD Retrofit

Airbus Helicopters leading provider of helicopters recently delivered their first Tiger retrofitted into the HAD version to the French Army Aviation. This took place after the manufacturing company completed the formal acceptance process with France’s Defense Procurement Agency.

This new retrofit that is upgraded from the HAP to the HAD version includes the performance of more than 100 airframe modifications. This also includes the installation of more than 1500 new parts and over 250 electrical cables. In comparison to the older HAP version, the HAD Tiger has an advantage from the increase in maximum take-off weight, or the MTOW. It is also furnished with 2 new intensified MTR 390 E engines along with a new STRIX roof mounted sight system. This is completed with a laser designator that permits the Hellfire 2 air-to-ground missile to be launched.

This revamped retrofit is the first out of thirty six from HAP to HAD that has been ordered by France’s ministry of defense. Airbus Helicopter has created a new industrial organization for the new Tiger retrofit program. The manufacturing company combined both teams from its Military Support Center in France and their Tiger serial production Final Assembly Line.

The French Army Aviation Command believes the retrofit is a big priority for the French Army, and they will allow for them to have an improved weapon system. They praised the first HAD Tigers that have been “combat-proven” since 2014 and have showcased a wide range of capabilities.

Alexnadira Cros, the head of government affairs for France at Airbus Helicopters claims that they are very happy to have achieved their first delivery in alignment with the specifications of their customers. Cross states that the Tiger retrofit program will give France more capabilities in order to play out their demanding operational missions.

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1. jacob luiz
2. Posted on March 1, 2018
aviation