The new special ops chopper


Fox News:
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A new powerful helicopter for special-ops recently made its debut in Europe.

The rugged medium-sized EC645 T2 made by Airbus Helicopters (previously called Eurocopter) is made to deploy for a range of missions from armed scout and light attack to search and rescue and MEDEVAC.

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with dual-channel, full authority digital engine control (FADEC) -- it is the most powerful in this series.

Power is important because it can provide maximum speed and agility while carrying a full payload. The EC645 T2 has a maximum takeoff weight of more than 8,000 pounds, speed of more than 150 mph and range of about 412 miles.

Reports are it performs really well in what is called “6K/95 high & hot” conditions, meaning operating in 6,000 feet altitude and 95-degree environments.

Its design reflects special operations requirements, such as rapid easy access to confined areas and supporting fast roping, rappelling and direct air assault.

This latest model features door mounted or podded machine guns giving operators the maximum space in the cabin for themselves and their gear. The cabin has easy access through the side and rear doors for rapid ingress and egress by 10 operators.

The EC645 T2 can also be fitted with a wide range of armament, from ballistic to guided ammunition.
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It looks smaller than some of the copters currently in use.  The range and speed are impressive for a helicopter.  It is interesting that this is a European design and not a US.  The story also describes a new Israeli sniper rifle and a special ops camera.

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