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Tiger Eurocopter
Tiger, Tigre
Attack Helicopter

DESCRIPTION:
The Tiger owes its existence to an agreement between the German and French governments to collaborate in the development of a new advanced attack helicopter for their armies. This helicopter was to be built in different variants to meet specific anti-tank and escort missions, though most of these missions have since been merged into multi-role models.
The basic design of the Tiger, or Tigre in French, is typical of contemporary attack helicopters. The slim fuselage seats two crew in a tandem, stepped cockpit. While the German model adopts the traditional placement of the gunner in the front seat and the pilot aft, the French prefer an opposite seating arrangement. The Tiger makes extensive use of composite materials both for weight reduction and to improve survivability. Armament is carried on two stub wings, and the French model is equipped with a cannon turret under the nose.
The version for the German Army is the UHT anti-tank model equipped with a mast-mounted sight with infrared and TV cameras that allow the helicopter to scout and search for targets while hiding behind terrain. The Tiger UHT carries an armament of Trigat or HOT-3 missiles for anti-tank missions as well as unguided rockets or Stinger air-to-air missiles. An optional gun pod can also be fitted and a 30-mm recoilless cannon may be added in the future. Germany currently plans to purchase 80 UHT models.
France, meanwhile, has split its order between two different models optimized for different missions. The French Army had originally ordered a dedicated anti-tank model called the HAC that was largely similar to the German UHT with a mast-mounted sight and armament of anti-tank missiles but no gun turret. A separate escort, fire support, and air defense version called the HAP would have a 30-mm gun turret and carry rocket pods or Mistral air-to-air missiles but not be equipped with a mast sight or anti-tank missiles. The HAP is still being purchased, although production has been slashed from 100 to 40, but the HAC was cancelled. In its place, France has instead ordered a multi-role model called the HAD equipped with the gun turret of the HAP and the Trigat anti-tank missile. A total of 80 Tigre helicopters will be purchased including 40 of the HAP escort models and 40 HAD variants.
The Tiger program has been subjected to numerous delays and cost overruns that have threatened its existence from the start. Though the Tiger project began in 1984, it was cancelled just two years later due to rising costs. The program was restarted again in 1987 and the first prototype completed in 1991. It took until 2003 for the first HAP production model to fly, and the French Army received its first Tigre HAP in September of that year.
In addition to France and Germany, Australia has also ordered 22 examples of the Tiger for its Army. The Australian ARH model is similar to the HAP but with an anti-tank capability provided by Hellfire II missiles. An additional export order comes from Spain which has purchased 24 Tigre HAD multi-role models. Though production was originally to total 430 airframes, current orders stand at 206. Tiger production is due to be completed in 2014.
Last modified 19 September 2009

HISTORY:

First Flight (PT-1) 29 April 1991
(Tigre HAP) March 2003
(Tiger ARH) February 2004

Service Entry

(Tigre HAP) 2005 (?)
(Tiger ARH) 2007

CREW: two: pilot, gunner

ESTIMATED COST:

(Tiger UHT) $40 million [2002$]
(Tigre HAP) $37 million [2002$]
(Tigre HAD) $46 million [2002$]
(Tiger ARH) $36 million [2002$]

AIRFOIL SECTIONS:

Rotor Blade Root unknown

Rotor Blade Tip

unknown

DIMENSIONS:

Length 51.79 ft (15.80 m) with rotors turning
(UHT) 46.17 ft (14.08 m) ignoring rotors
(HAP) 49.21 ft (15.00 m) ignoring rotors

Rotor Diameter 42.65 ft (13.00 m)

Wingspan 14.83 ft (4.52 m)

Height 12.5 ft (3.81 m) to top of rotor head
14.17 ft (4.32 m) to top of tail rotor
17.06 ft (5.20 m) to top of mast-mounted sight

Rotor Disk Area

1,428.4 ft² (132.73 m²)

WEIGHTS:

Empty 7,275 lb (3,300 kg)

Normal Takeoff 12,785 lb (5,800 kg)

Max Takeoff 13,230 lb (6,000 kg)

Fuel Capacity internal: 2,380 lb (1,080 kg)
external: 1,090 lb (495 kg)

Max Payload

(HAP) 3,970 lb (1,800 kg)
(UHT) 3,635 lb (1,650 kg)

PROPULSION:

Powerplant two MTU/ Turbomeca/ Rolls-Royce MTR 390 turboshafts

Thrust 2,570 shp (1,916 kW)

PERFORMANCE:

Max Level Speed at altitude : 200 mph (320 km/h) [clean]
175 mph (280 km/h) [armed]
at sea level: unknown
cruise speed: 145 mph (230 km/h)

Maximum Climb Rate (UHT) 2,105 ft (640 m) / min
(HAP) 2,265 ft (690 m) / min

Service Ceiling 13,125 ft (4,000 m)

Hover Ceiling
(out of ground effect) 11,480 ft (3,500 m)

Range typical: 430 nm (800 km)
ferry: 700 nm (1,300 km)

Endurance 3 hr 25 min

g-Limits unknown

ARMAMENT:

Gun (HAP/HAD/ARH) one GIAT AM-30781 30-mm cannon (150-450 rds)

Stations 2 stub-wings with 4 hardpoints

Air-to-Air Missile up to four Matra Mistral or Stinger

Air-to-Surface Missile up to eight Trigat, HOT-2, HOT-3, or TOW-2 anti-tank

Bomb none

Other up to two 68-mm or 70-mm rocket pods, 12.7-mm gun pod, 20-mm gun pod

KNOWN VARIANTS:

PT-1 Aerodynamic prototype

PT-2 HAP prototype

PT-3 UHU prototype

PT-4 Full HAP prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit

PT-5 Full UHU prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit

PT-6 Full HAC prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit

EC 665 Eurocopter designation for the Tiger/Tigre helicopter family

PAH-2 Panzerabwehrhubschrauber 2, German designation for the Tiger, original configuration was to be a dedicated anti-tank model carrying up to eight HOT-2 or Trigat missiles but this was cancelled in favor of the multi-role UHT design

UHT or UHU Unterstutzungshubschrauber, German multi-role anti-tank and support model equipped with a mast-mounted sight and anti-tank missiles, other armaments include 70-mm rocket pods, Stinger self-defense air-to-air missiles, and an optional 12.7-mm gun pod; 212 originally planned but now only 80 to be built

HAP or HCP Helicoptere d'Appui et de Protection (or Helicopter for Close Protection), French escort and fire control model featuring a 30-mm gun turret and usually armed with 68-mm rocket pods or Mistral air-to-air missiles; 100 originally planned but now only 40 to be built

HAC Helicoptere Anti-Char, French anti-tank model similar to the German UHT; 115 originally planned but cancelled in favor of the HAD

HAD Helicoptere Appui Destruction, French multi-role attack helicopter that merges many of the features of the HAP and HAC into a single model, based on the HAP but adds the anti-tank capability of the HAC and also includes uprated engines as well as improved ballistic protection; 40 to be built for France and 24 for Spain (18 new build, 6 refitted from HAP)

ARH Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter model for Australia based on the HAP but with upgraded engines and a laser designator for its primary armament of Hellfire II anti-tank missiles; 22 to be built

KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:

none

KNOWN OPERATORS:

Australia (Royal Australian Army Aviation)
France, Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (French Army Light Aviation)
Germany, Deutsche Heeresfliegertruppe (German Army Air Corps)
Spain, Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (Spanish Army Airmobile Force)

3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:

Tigre HAP

SOURCES:

Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 379-380, Eurocopter Tiger.

Donald, David and Lake, Jon, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 2000, p. 163-164, Eurocopter HAC Tigre/PAH-2 Tiger/HAP Gerfaut.

Eurocopter

Flug Revue Tiger site

Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Fighting Helicopters. London: Salamander Books, 1998, p. 116-117, Eurocopter HAC/HAP/UHU.

The Rotorhead Tiger site

Müller, Claudio. Aircraft of the World. NY: Muddle Puddle Books, 2004, p. 168-169, Eurocopter Tiger/UHU.

Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 112-113, Eurocopter Tiger/Tigre.

Rendall, David. Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide, 2nd ed. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999, p. 442, Eurocopter Tiger.

Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1996/1997. London: Brassey's, 1996, p. 371-372, Eurocopter Tiger (Tigre).

Taylor, Michael J. H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London: Brassey's, 1999, p. 382-383, Eurocopter Tiger (Tigre).

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DESCRIPTION: The Tiger owes its existence to an agreement between the German and French governments to collaborate in the development of a new advanced attack helicopter for their armies. This helicopter was to be built in different variants to meet specific anti-tank and escort missions, though most of these missions have since been merged into multi-role models. The basic design of the Tiger, or Tigre in French, is typical of contemporary attack helicopters. The slim fuselage seats two crew in a tandem, stepped cockpit. While the German model adopts the traditional placement of the gunner in the front seat and the pilot aft, the French prefer an opposite seating arrangement. The Tiger makes extensive use of composite materials both for weight reduction and to improve survivability. Armament is carried on two stub wings, and the French model is equipped with a cannon turret under the nose. The version for the German Army is the UHT anti-tank model equipped with a mast-mounted sight with infrared and TV cameras that allow the helicopter to scout and search for targets while hiding behind terrain. The Tiger UHT carries an armament of Trigat or HOT-3 missiles for anti-tank missions as well as unguided rockets or Stinger air-to-air missiles. An optional gun pod can also be fitted and a 30-mm recoilless cannon may be added in the future. Germany currently plans to purchase 80 UHT models. France, meanwhile, has split its order between two different models optimized for different missions. The French Army had originally ordered a dedicated anti-tank model called the HAC that was largely similar to the German UHT with a mast-mounted sight and armament of anti-tank missiles but no gun turret. A separate escort, fire support, and air defense version called the HAP would have a 30-mm gun turret and carry rocket pods or Mistral air-to-air missiles but not be equipped with a mast sight or anti-tank missiles. The HAP is still being purchased, although production has been slashed from 100 to 40, but the HAC was cancelled. In its place, France has instead ordered a multi-role model called the HAD equipped with the gun turret of the HAP and the Trigat anti-tank missile. A total of 80 Tigre helicopters will be purchased including 40 of the HAP escort models and 40 HAD variants. The Tiger program has been subjected to numerous delays and cost overruns that have threatened its existence from the start. Though the Tiger project began in 1984, it was cancelled just two years later due to rising costs. The program was restarted again in 1987 and the first prototype completed in 1991. It took until 2003 for the first HAP production model to fly, and the French Army received its first Tigre HAP in September of that year. In addition to France and Germany, Australia has also ordered 22 examples of the Tiger for its Army. The Australian ARH model is similar to the HAP but with an anti-tank capability provided by Hellfire II missiles. An additional export order comes from Spain which has purchased 24 Tigre HAD multi-role models. Though production was originally to total 430 airframes, current orders stand at 206. Tiger production is due to be completed in 2014. Last modified 19 September 2009
HISTORY:
First Flight	(PT-1) 29 April 1991 (Tigre HAP) March 2003 (Tiger ARH) February 2004
Service Entry	(Tigre HAP) 2005 (?) (Tiger ARH) 2007
CREW:	two: pilot, gunner
ESTIMATED COST:	(Tiger UHT) $40 million [2002$] (Tigre HAP) $37 million [2002$] (Tigre HAD) $46 million [2002$] (Tiger ARH) $36 million [2002$]
AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Rotor Blade Root	unknown
Rotor Blade Tip	unknown
DIMENSIONS:
Length	51.79 ft (15.80 m) with rotors turning (UHT) 46.17 ft (14.08 m) ignoring rotors (HAP) 49.21 ft (15.00 m) ignoring rotors
Rotor Diameter	42.65 ft (13.00 m)
Wingspan	14.83 ft (4.52 m)
Height	12.5 ft (3.81 m) to top of rotor head 14.17 ft (4.32 m) to top of tail rotor 17.06 ft (5.20 m) to top of mast-mounted sight
Rotor Disk Area	1,428.4 ft² (132.73 m²)
WEIGHTS:
Empty	7,275 lb (3,300 kg)
Normal Takeoff	12,785 lb (5,800 kg)
Max Takeoff	13,230 lb (6,000 kg)
Fuel Capacity	internal: 2,380 lb (1,080 kg) external: 1,090 lb (495 kg)
Max Payload	(HAP) 3,970 lb (1,800 kg) (UHT) 3,635 lb (1,650 kg)
PROPULSION:
Powerplant	two MTU/ Turbomeca/ Rolls-Royce MTR 390 turboshafts
Thrust	2,570 shp (1,916 kW)
PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed	at altitude : 200 mph (320 km/h) [clean] 175 mph (280 km/h) [armed] at sea level: unknown cruise speed: 145 mph (230 km/h)
Maximum Climb Rate	(UHT) 2,105 ft (640 m) / min (HAP) 2,265 ft (690 m) / min
Service Ceiling	13,125 ft (4,000 m)
Hover Ceiling (out of ground effect)	11,480 ft (3,500 m)
Range	typical: 430 nm (800 km) ferry: 700 nm (1,300 km)
Endurance	3 hr 25 min
g-Limits	unknown
ARMAMENT:
Gun	(HAP/HAD/ARH) one GIAT AM-30781 30-mm cannon (150-450 rds)
Stations	2 stub-wings with 4 hardpoints
Air-to-Air Missile	up to four Matra Mistral or Stinger
Air-to-Surface Missile	up to eight Trigat, HOT-2, HOT-3, or TOW-2 anti-tank
Bomb	none
Other	up to two 68-mm or 70-mm rocket pods, 12.7-mm gun pod, 20-mm gun pod
KNOWN VARIANTS:
PT-1	Aerodynamic prototype
PT-2	HAP prototype
PT-3	UHU prototype
PT-4	Full HAP prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit
PT-5	Full UHU prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit
PT-6	Full HAC prototype with a complete avionics and weapons fit
EC 665	Eurocopter designation for the Tiger/Tigre helicopter family
PAH-2	Panzerabwehrhubschrauber 2, German designation for the Tiger, original configuration was to be a dedicated anti-tank model carrying up to eight HOT-2 or Trigat missiles but this was cancelled in favor of the multi-role UHT design
UHT or UHU	Unterstutzungshubschrauber, German multi-role anti-tank and support model equipped with a mast-mounted sight and anti-tank missiles, other armaments include 70-mm rocket pods, Stinger self-defense air-to-air missiles, and an optional 12.7-mm gun pod; 212 originally planned but now only 80 to be built
HAP or HCP	Helicoptere d'Appui et de Protection (or Helicopter for Close Protection), French escort and fire control model featuring a 30-mm gun turret and usually armed with 68-mm rocket pods or Mistral air-to-air missiles; 100 originally planned but now only 40 to be built
HAC	Helicoptere Anti-Char, French anti-tank model similar to the German UHT; 115 originally planned but cancelled in favor of the HAD
HAD	Helicoptere Appui Destruction, French multi-role attack helicopter that merges many of the features of the HAP and HAC into a single model, based on the HAP but adds the anti-tank capability of the HAC and also includes uprated engines as well as improved ballistic protection; 40 to be built for France and 24 for Spain (18 new build, 6 refitted from HAP)
ARH	Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter model for Australia based on the HAP but with upgraded engines and a laser designator for its primary armament of Hellfire II anti-tank missiles; 22 to be built
KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:	none
KNOWN OPERATORS:	Australia (Royal Australian Army Aviation) France, Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (French Army Light Aviation) Germany, Deutsche Heeresfliegertruppe (German Army Air Corps) Spain, Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (Spanish Army Airmobile Force)
3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:
SOURCES: Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 379-380, Eurocopter Tiger. Donald, David and Lake, Jon, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 2000, p. 163-164, Eurocopter HAC Tigre/PAH-2 Tiger/HAP Gerfaut. Eurocopter Flug Revue Tiger site Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Fighting Helicopters. London: Salamander Books, 1998, p. 116-117, Eurocopter HAC/HAP/UHU. The Rotorhead Tiger site Müller, Claudio. Aircraft of the World. NY: Muddle Puddle Books, 2004, p. 168-169, Eurocopter Tiger/UHU. Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 112-113, Eurocopter Tiger/Tigre. Rendall, David. Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide, 2nd ed. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999, p. 442, Eurocopter Tiger. Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1996/1997. London: Brassey's, 1996, p. 371-372, Eurocopter Tiger (Tigre). Taylor, Michael J. H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London: Brassey's, 1999, p. 382-383, Eurocopter Tiger (Tigre).