NATO's Rotorcraft Predator

The Tiger combat helicopter adapts to the wars of the new generation

Combat, or, as they are also often called, attack, helicopters are a separate subclass of rotorcraft, significantly different conceptually and technically from their counterparts.

Unlike multi-purpose or transport-combat helicopters, which, although they sometimes possess, like Russian Mi-24 family vehicles, a fairly powerful set of weapons, "clean" combat helicopters were originally created purely as "killing machines". To destroy the enemy – armored and automotive equipment, personnel, a fortified facility, another helicopter or even a light combat aircraft – is the meaning of the existence of such a "predator".

Today, an attack helicopter is a multifunctional aviation complex capable of solving a wide range of tasks. High mobility, adaptability to the tactical situation and the ability of operational concentration to strike in the required direction make such vehicles a unique combat vehicle.

Due to their high complexity, a limited number of States have successful experience in the development and serial production of combat helicopters. The number of models is not too large either. One of them is even multinational – it is the German-French "Tiger". Moreover, the machine, which was created under the requirements of the German and French ground forces, eventually failed to win a significant place in the international market, losing to American and Russian competitors.

SWAN, CRAYFISH AND PIKE

"Tiger" (Tiger/Tigre; company code EC665) is a classic attack helicopter. Its features: mainly composite airframe design, reduced visibility in different ranges, instrument equipment of the "glass cabin" type, proven in practice reliability and combat survivability.

The development of a combat helicopter capable of fighting enemy armored vehicles was started by the German Messerschmitt Bölkow Blohm GmbH (MBB) and the French Aerospatiale in 1977. But it soon became clear that the generals of the two countries have different views on what a new car should be. The Germans needed an all–weather helicopter capable of solving problems in difficult weather conditions, and the French needed a light and simple single-engine machine, a promising product for export.

In 1984, the participants of the program, in an effort to satisfy diverse requirements, decided to develop in three directions.

1. Multi-purpose combat helicopter NAR (Helicopter d'appui Protection) under the requirements of the French Army. Armament – 30-mm automatic gun GIAT FV-30781 (450 shots), and on the underwing pylons – four guided missiles (UR) of the class "air–to-air" "Mistral" with thermal GOS and two 22-missile blocks 60-mm NAR SNEB (instead of two packages with UR "Mistral" you can install two 12-rocket blocks on the SNEB platform). Avionics – a TV camera mounted on the roof of the cockpit, an infrared (IR) target detection system in the front hemisphere, a laser rangefinder-target designator plus an optical-electronic surveillance system for the pilot. The volume of deliveries since 1997 is 75 cars.

2. The HAC-3G anti-tank helicopter (Helicopter Anti-Char) also meets the requirements of the French Army. Armament – 30-mm automatic gun GIAT FV-30781 (150 shots), and on the underwing pylons – four UR class "air–to-air" "Mistral" with thermal GOS and 2x4 launchers of anti-tank guided missiles (PU ATGM) "Hot-2" (hereinafter – ATGM "Trigat"). Avionics – an overview optoelectronic system in the nose (for the pilot) plus a sighting system with an IR system, a laser rangefinder-designator and a TV camera. The volume of deliveries since 1998 is 140 cars.

3. All-weather anti-tank PAH-2 (Panzerpabwehr Hubschrauder, second generation) under the requirements of the SV of Germany. Armament – 30-mm automatic gun GIAT FV-30781 (150 shots), and on the underwing pylons – four UR class "air–to-air" "Stinger" with a thermal homing head and 2 × 4 PU ATGM "Hot-2" (since the end of 1999 – ATGM "Trigat"). Avionics is an optical–electronic surveillance system in the nose (for the pilot), an overhead sight-sighting system with TV and IR cameras and a laser rangefinder-designator. The volume of deliveries since 1998 is 212 cars.

HISTORY OF CREATION

The cost of work on all three projects was estimated at $ 2.36 billion, which eventually turned out to be unaffordable for the national military budgets of the two countries. Since 1986, the implementation of the program has slowed down. Only on November 13, 1987, the parties came to a decision to continue work on the Tiger, but left only two modifications, combining the "national" anti-tank versions into a single SATN (Common Anti-Tank Helicopter, "single anti-tank helicopter"). The cost of creating it was estimated at $ 1.1 billion. Work also continued on the French multipurpose modification.

In May 1989, a special working group was formed to manage the Franco-German helicopter program, and in November 1989, the developer company received a full-fledged contract for the development of a promising attack helicopter and the construction of five prototypes (an anti-tank helicopter, a multi-purpose vehicle and three unarmed vehicles as test benches). The contract provided for the laying of two production lines for serial production – in French Marignan and in German Donauwerth.

Flight International magazine stated that the developer was required to comply with a number of priority requirements:

– to minimize the visibility of the helicopter, why choose a narrow fuselage (cabin width – 1 m) made of polymer composites, which allowed to disperse a significant part of the high-frequency radiation of the enemy radar;

– to provide the crew with the ability to detect radiation by radar, thermal imaging and acoustic means of the enemy and the use of weapons of destruction, especially controlled ones, as well as effective evasion (the developer installed a set of sensors warning about the operation of detection means and provided the helicopter with the ability to perform evasion maneuvers with overloads from +3.5g to – 0.5g);

– to ensure the ability to continue flying in case of fire damage, which meant multiple reservations and reservations of vital structural elements and systems of the helicopter.

The RT-1 prototype was flown on April 27, 1991 in France, demonstrating excellent flight performance and good performance of the airframe, power plant, fuel and hydraulic systems and avionics during the flight. The car showed even better stability than expected.

But then there was a black streak in the program. The end of the Cold War prompted NATO countries to radically reduce military spending. The order of new helicopters for the SV FRG was reduced from 212 to 138 units, although the French order remained: 75 vehicles in multi–purpose (NAR) and 140 in anti-tank (NAS) versions.

In the first half of 1992, the assembly of the second RT-2 prototype was completed in Ottonbroek, Germany. And in November 1992, a prototype of a French multi-purpose helicopter, called "Gerfo", was completed in construction. The results were higher than expected, so the German customer even went to finalize the requirements for his version of the Tiger. In addition to fighting armored vehicles and enemy helicopters, he now had to conduct reconnaissance on the battlefield, provide fire support to troops and escort transport and landing helicopters.

In the same year, Aerospatiale and MVV merged into the Eurocopter consortium (now Airbus Helicopters as part of the Airbus group), and in early 1993, Germany announced a reduction in the order to 78 cars. In May, Berlin confirmed participation in the program, but postponed the start date of helicopter deliveries to 2000. The latter were already purchased in a new multipurpose version, later called UHT (Unterstutzungs Hubschrauber Tiger). Armament – ATGM "Trigat" and "Hot", UR class "air–to-air" "Stinger", 20-mm suspended cannon container and blocks 68-mm NAR.

The French have also changed their plans: instead of 140 anti-tank and 75 multi-purpose helicopters, they decided to purchase 100 and 115 vehicles, respectively. Later, the program went neither shaky nor loose: tests of the RT-3 prototype revealed a number of serious shortcomings in the design of the main rotor, an excessively high sensitivity of the automatic flight control system, an excess of vibration in the cockpit, etc.

In December 1996, Berlin and Paris approved a new version of the program, under which it was necessary to create a new generation of weapons for a new helicopter, including a guided missile system. The tactical and technical requirements for the car were also finalized. Finally, on June 18, 1999, both countries officially announced the placement of an order for batches of serial helicopters of 80 machines for each with a total cost of 3.3 billion euros.

Serial production of the Tigers was launched in March 2002. The first helicopter of the HAP version for France took off in March 2003, and their delivery to the customer began in September 2003 (the official date is March 18, 2005). In total, the French ordered 80 helicopters, initially 40 machines of the HAP and HAD versions (a variant of the NAR for Spain with improved engines and ballistic protection), which were scheduled for delivery starting in 2012.

However, the distribution of modifications was changed – 60 NAR helicopters and 20 "more expensive" HAD (purchase prices for them in 2013 were 27.4 million and 36.1 million euros). In December 2015, the French transferred 7 more helicopters to the HAD modification, planning to convert the rest of their machines to the HAD standard by 2025.

At the end of 2003, serial delivery was started for the SV FRG (the official date is April 6, 2005), who ordered 80 Tiger UH vehicles in the version without a nose gun, but in March 2013 reduced the order to 57 vehicles and determined the main task for their Tigers to fight armored vehicles.

DESIGN FEATURES

The Tiger is a combat helicopter of a traditional scheme, with one carrier and one tail rotor, a tandem arrangement of two pilots, a power plant of two gas turbine engines and a tricycle landing gear. The fuselage by weight is 66% made of composites, 11% Kevlar, 17% metal (11% aluminum, 6% titanium alloys).

The fuselage is made narrow to reduce visibility in the front and rear hemispheres, the tail boom is made of composites as a whole. The requirements for safe damage to structures and systems (NATO standard MIL-STD-1290) were taken into account, which provided the helicopter with high survivability. It can continue flying when hit by a 23-mm high-explosive shell. In order to protect the helicopter from lightning strikes and resistance to electromagnetic pulse, a thin copper/bronze mesh and copper connecting foil are applied to the surface of the fuselage.

The crew cabin is equipped with folding lantern flaps with armored glass. Shock–absorbing armored seats are arranged in tandem with a ledge: in front – the pilot, in the rear - the operator of avionics (avionics) and weapons (usually on combat helicopters, the pilot is in the rear cockpit, above the operator). The seats are shifted to the sides relative to the longitudinal axis for a better forward view of the operator. The shape of the cabin minimized the reflection of light and radar radiation. At the disposal of the pilots are helmet–mounted observation and sighting systems and instrumentation on the principle of a "glass cockpit".

The power plant includes two MTR390–2C turboshaft engines developed for the Tiger in MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce and having a modular design and a digital remote control system FADEC with the possibility of backup manual control. The engine has a take–off power of 958 kW (1303 hp), maximum continuous power – 873 kW (1187 hp), emergency power – 1160 kW (1577 hp), dry weight - 169 kg. The engines are located side by side and equipped with side air intakes, their nozzles are deflected upwards and equipped with screen-exhaust devices to reduce visibility.

The MTR390-E (Enhanced) high-power engine was developed for Spain, the Spanish company ITP participated in the development. Its characteristics: take–off power – 1094 kW (1487 hp), maximum continuous power – 995 kW (1353 hp), emergency power – 1322 kW (1797 hp), dry weight - 179 kg.

The combat survivability of the Tiger is ensured by a set of measures, including booking (armor – combined AMAP-AIR, sliding side armor plates for pilots, an armored barrier between engines), protection of fuel tanks, etc. According to Andrew Warner, senior test pilot of the program, the combat survivability of the helicopter is ensured due to its low visibility and high maneuverability. Often compared to the Tiger, the American AN-64 Apache can rely more on firepower, in which it significantly surpasses the European machine.

EYES AND EARS

The helicopter's avionics complex is built on a duplicated MIL-STD-1553B data bus and includes:

– combat control system (on the battlefield) EUROGRID;

– mobile digital map of the area;

– flight and navigation equipment (front-view IR station, space radio navigation receiver, duplicated inertial navigation system, Doppler radar, radio altimeter, magnetometer, speed indicators, etc.);

– sighting equipment (overhead gyrostabilized sighting system "Osiris", viewing angle 40 ×30 degrees), laser rangefinder-designator and missile tracking station or gyrostabilized sighting system on the roof of the cabin with TV and IR cameras, laser rangefinder-designator, etc.);

– integrated complex of radio and satellite communications;

– data exchange system with external consumers/sources;

– digital four-axis automatic flight control system (autopilot);

– two duplicated computers-control systems for avionics and weapons complexes;

– the system of state recognition.

Anti–tank and multi-purpose modifications differ somewhat in "special purpose equipment kits" (specific mission equipment package - MEP):

– on an anti–tank helicopter - a night vision system, an Osiris overhead sight-sighting system and two helmet-mounted sight-sighting systems with the ability to control ATGM and air–to-air missile systems;

– on the multi–purpose - an indicator on the background of the windshield, a gyrostabilized observation-sighting system on the roof of the cabin, a laser rangefinder-designator and two helmet-mounted sights that allow firing from a 30-mm cannon, using ATGM, unguided aircraft missiles (NAR) and a Mistral-type UR.

At the disposal of each crew member is a color multifunctional liquid crystal indicator and a helmet–mounted display. Flight information is also duplicated by conventional instruments.

FIERY TEETH

The composition of the Tiger weapon system depends on the specific modification and may include the following means of destruction:

– multi–purpose helicopter or fire support helicopter "Tiger" UH (UHT) SV FRG - eight ATGM PARS 3 LR or "Hot-3" or two blocks of 70 mm NAR "Hydra 70", 2×2 UR "Stinger" plus a container with a 12.7mm machine gun or a 20 mm cannon. Thanks to the Osiris complex, the combat use of ATGMs can be fully automated – the pilot only assigns targets for firing (up to four at a time), designating them with the cursor, and then the weapons control system independently accompanies and defeats them (a volley at four targets is carried out in eight seconds);

– "Tiger" HAP/HCP (Helicopter d'appui Protection – "helicopter of fire support and escort" / Helicopter de Combat Polyvalent – "multi-purpose helicopter"; Spanish vehicles are often designated as HAP–E) - 30-mm automatic gun Nexter 30M781 in the nose turret (150-450 shots with high-explosive incendiary shells and armor-piercing-fragmentation-incendiary shells with self-destructors), blocks of 68-mm SNB NAR, containers with 20-mm guns, as well as 2×2 Mistral UR;

– Tiger fire support helicopter HAD – eight Hellfire II or Spike ER ATGMs, NAR and 2×2 UR air-to-air units;

– reconnaissance and strike "Tiger" ARH - eight ATGM "Hellfire" II, blocks 70 mm NAR "Hydra 70", 2×2 UR class "air–to-air".

Specialized containers or two suspended fuel tanks can be placed on the external suspension.

The onboard defense complex includes radar and laser radiation warning stations (four and two sensors), AN AN/AAR-60 MILDS missile attack warning station of EADS (now Airbus Group), including a set of four ultraviolet sensors and a computing unit, as well as two automatic firing of IR traps and dipole reflectors of the company MBDA. There is also an electronic warfare complex.

EXPORT LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED

Initially promising export prospects of "Tiger" in fact turned out to be more modest – a number of countries that decided to buy such machines, then abandoned their plans. However, in December 2001, the developer received a contract from Australia for 22 "Tiger" ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter - "armed reconnaissance helicopter", AIR 87 program). He had to assemble four cars at his own facilities, and the remaining 18 at the Australian Aerospace company (a daughter of the European Eurocopter).

In configuration, the Australian Predator was close to the French Tiger NAR, but had upgraded engines and could use the Hellfire II ATGM and the 70 mm Hydra 70 NAR of the Belgian company Forges de Zeebruges instead of the SNEB type missiles. In addition, the helicopter received new communication systems and other avionics.

The first helicopter was handed over to the Australians on December 15, 2004, and deliveries were completed in December 2011. The implementation of the contract was not without problems – in 2007, the Australian Ministry of Defense even suspended payments.

In September 2003, Spain chose the "Tiger" HAP option for itself. The modification received the designation "Tiger" HAD (Helicopter de Apoyo y Destrucción – "attack and fire support helicopter"). 24 cars were ordered with delivery in 2007-2008 (18 – new, 6 – converted from Tiger HAP). The vehicles received engines of greater power, were armed with ATGM "Trigat" and UR class "air–to-air" Mistral", had improved armor protection. In June 2006, Spain announced its decision to replace the Trigat ATGM with the Israeli Spike ER ATGM. Spanish "Tigers" can use ATGM PARS 3 LR, which were intended for the German "Tiger" and ATGM "Hellfire" II.

In July 2006, a preliminary agreement was announced with Saudi Arabia for the purchase of 142 helicopters for 6.9 billion euros, including 12-18 Tigers, but it was denounced at the end of 2007. Since then, Tiger has not received a single export order, although the manufacturer has participated in tenders and negotiated with a number of countries (Brazil, India, Qatar, Malaysia, etc.).

THE THIRD GENERATION IS ON THE WAY

Today, these vehicles are in service with the army aviation of four countries of the world: Australia (1st AA Aviation Regiment), Germany (36th AA Helicopter Regiment), Spain (1st Battalion of AA attack helicopters) and France (5th Helicopter Regiment (combat helicopters) AA CB). German and French helicopters took part in combat operations in Afghanistan (one car was lost), in Libya and in Mali.

In recent years, the supply of Tigers has decreased: in 2019, customers received four cars, in 2020 - one, in 2021 – none. It makes sense to talk about the stagnation of this program of European military helicopter construction and the lack of prospects for "Tigers" in the international market, where this niche is firmly occupied by American and Russian attack helicopters. For example, the same Australia in January 2021 announced its intention to replace its Tigers with American Apaches of the latest generation – AN-64E Apache Guardians.

However, the developer company performs maintenance of the delivered vehicles and is working under a contract to upgrade them to the Tiger Mk III standard, which was concluded by the Organization for Joint Cooperation in the Field of Armaments (OCCAR) in the interests of the military departments of Spain and France in March 2022.

Under the contract, Airbus Helicopters will develop a modernization project and finalize 18 Spanish and 42 French cars (in the future, the French may request the modernization of another 25). It is possible to connect to this program and the Armed Forces of Germany. The company's enterprises in Spain (Albacete), France (Marignan) and Germany (Donauvert) participate in the program.

As part of the modernization, the Tigers will receive a new Thales FlytX avionics complex, a combat control system (ATOS brand of the French Armed Forces, Indra brand of the Spanish Armed Forces), Safran Strix NG sighting systems, navigation aids (Safran inertial system, Thales satellite navigation system), a new Thales Contact/Synaps communication complex, providing the possibility of using drones, and (for Spain) upgraded Link16 and SATCOM communications. As well as an updated Topowl DD NSCU, an upgraded receiver of the Indra IFF state recognition system, etc. It is planned to provide the crew with the opportunity to work in a "digital battlefield" and exchange tactical data in real time.

The armament will include: for the French Armed Forces – new air–to-surface missile MAST-F (Future Tactical Air-to-Surface Missile) with a dual–channel (optical-television/thermal imaging type IIR) homing head and a multi-purpose warhead (MBDA received a contract for the development of the missile from France - the launch customer – in November 2020). Mistral 3 air–to–air UR, NAR, as well as electronic warfare equipment (Thales brands for the French Armed Forces, Indra brands for the Spanish Armed Forces); for the Spanish Armed Forces – 70 mm guided (correctable) aircraft missiles and new air–to-surface guided missiles. The helicopters will also receive upgraded rapid-firing aircraft guns.

The first prototype of the upgraded Tiger is planned to fly around in 2025. In 2029, the updated rotorcraft will begin to arrive to the French military, and in 2030, it will be the turn of the Spanish army aviation. In the future, it is possible to modernize the entire fleet of Tigers, which have been delivered in the amount of 185 cars and have flown for more than 155 thousand hours today.

Vladimir Shcherbakov

Deputy Executive Editor of HBO

Vladimir Leonidovich Shcherbakov is a military expert, historian, and writer.