Article Posted on : - May 21, 2012

A Eurocopter photo.

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (BNS): Kazakhstan has signed a letter of intent to acquire 20 Eurocopter EC725 helicopters.

The helicopters will be used by the country's Ministry of Defence in a full range of mission applications. The agreement was formalized at KADEX-2012 military exposition in Astana.

These aircraft will be assembled in-country alongside the 45 EC145 light-twin helicopters being assembled in Kazakhstan under a framework contract by Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering 50/50 joint venture company.

The EC725 is a member of Eurocopter's 11-metric-ton Cougar military helicopter family.

Designed for operations from land and ships, the multi-role EC725 is equipped with a de-icing system and is qualified for flight in cold weather conditions.

Its avionics includes a four-axis autopilot, and the helicopter's large cabin is complemented by the ability to carry a range of armament and sensors.

The EC725 is capable of a large panel of missions that includes tactical transport, Search and Rescue (SAR), special operations (C.SAR), naval operations (from ships and land).

The Republic of Kazakhstan has already chosen the civil version of the EC725 (EC225) for governmental VIP transportation.