Article Posted on : - Dec 11, 2009

The twin-engine helicopters will replace the French Navy's Super-Frelon helicopters. Image credit: EADS

PARIS (BNS): France has placed an order with European defence firm EADS to buy two Eurocopter EC225 helicopters for its navy.

The helicopters, which will be used for search and rescue operations, are scheduled to be delivered to the French Navy in the first half of 2010, EADS said.

The new choppers will replace the French Navy's Super-Frelon helicopters.

Several countries, including China, South Korea and Japan are using the EC225s.

The twin-engine helicopter has a five-blade rotor system and a maximum takeoff weight of 11 metric tons. Its extremely low vibration levels enable it to fly long missions without tiring out flight crews.

Amongst its many possible mission scenarios, the EC225 is capable of rescuing ten people within a range of 300 NM.

The long-range passenger transport helicopter can carry two crew and 24 passengers.