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Thailand orders more aircraft from Airbus Helicopters

The Royal Thai Army and Navy have ordered additional utility and search-and-rescue aircraft from Airbus Helicopters.

By Richard Tomkins
The EC725 search-and-rescue helicopter. Airbus Helicopters
The EC725 search-and-rescue helicopter. Airbus Helicopters

MARIGNANE, France, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Thailand's military has ordered light utility and combat search-and-rescue helicopters from France for delivery over a two-year period.

Airbus Helicopters said five of its EC645 T2s, the militarized version of its EC145 TC utility aircraft, will see service in transport and other missions in Thailand with the country's navy.

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The two EC725 tactical transport rotorcraft for search-and-rescue and combat search-and-rescue missions will be operated by the Thai Army, which had previously ordered four of the aircraft for delivery next year.

"By acquiring both the EC645 T2 and EC725, Thailand will be operating two of the most capable helicopters in their categories, delivering high levels of mission flexibility with their modern avionics and rugged airframes," said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters' head of Region South East Asia & Pacific.

The EC645 T2 utility aircraft features a digital cockpit and a four-axis autopilot. It is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E powerplants. The EC725 is a twin-engine helicopter with a digital four-axis autopilot and five-blade composite main rotor.

Deliveries of the utility helicopters will occur in 2017.

The EC725 is operated by the militaries of France, Brazil, Mexico and Malaysia, and have been deployed in crisis areas such as Afghanistan and Mali.

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