Indonesia receives helicopters from Airbus

MARIGNANE, France, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Different model helicopters for combat search-and-rescue and light attack missions have been handed over to Indonesia's military by Airbus Helicopters.

The aircraft are the EC725 Caracal and Fennec family of helicopters.

The EC725 is a long-range tactical transport with a cruise speed of 177 miles per hour and a range of 533 miles.

Airbus Helicopters said the first of six EC725 rotorcraft acquired by Indonesia was handed over during a ceremony in France and will be delivered to the Indonesian Air Force next year after Airbus partner PT Dirgantara Indonesia completes the helicopter's mission equipment outfitting and customization.

"We are pleased to receive this first EC725 from Airbus Helicopters, which will allow us to complete it in the CSAR version to be handed over to the Indonesian Air Force," said PTDI President Budi Santoso. "We will continue to work closely with Airbus Helicopters to ensure the on-time delivery of the remaining units, as we anticipate an additional order from the Air Force for 10 more EC725s to complete its squadron of 16 helicopters."

The EC725 first entered service in 2005 and has been selected by the military forces of France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Airbus Helicopters said it has also delivered its lightweight Fennec attack aircraft to the Indonesian Army. The helicopter delivered is the first of 12 Fennecs -- six single-engine and six twin-engine variants -- to be delivered through 2016.

As with the EC725 aircraft, PT Dirgantara Indonesia will conduct the mission equipment outfit, which will include machine guns and rocket launchers.

The Fennec helicopter is a militarized version of Airbus Helicopters' Ecureuil rotorcraft family, and is used by militaries worldwide for combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training operations.