On December 13 in Bangkok, the Royal Thai Air Force received four new H225M multi-role helicopters built by Airbus
These are the most advanced helicopters in terms of reliability and endurance in a variety of combat environments
With these 4 new helicopters, the Royal Thai Air Force has a total of 12 H225Ms
Four new helicopters will join the air force's squadron of search and rescue and troop transport missions
H225Ms are specially equipped with emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light and electro-optical systems
The combat-proven H225M is a multi-purpose and versatile helicopter that enables military forces to deploy wherever and whenever needed
Featuring state-of-the-art electronic instruments and the renowned 4-axis autopilot system
the 11-ton-catergory twin-turbine H225M offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed
and may be fitted with various equipment to suit any role
The H225M formerly known as the Eurocopter EC725
is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use
It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration
The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma
Based on the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar, design innovations include a five-bladed composite main rotor incorporating a new airfoil shape to reduce vibration levels
The helicopter can be fitted with removable armour plating to protect the troops
and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines mounted over the cabin
which feature a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system
The helicopter can be fitted with an anti-icing system to enable the aircraft to operate in very cold climates
Other improvements include a reinforced main rotor gearbox and an all glass cockpit
The cockpit is equipped with an integrated display system featuring a digital map and active-matrix liquid-crystal display
The helicopter has day and night time search and rescue capabilities by way of a search radar and forward-looking infrared
these allow the H225M to be flown under visual meteorological and instrument flight rules conditions
The H225M can be equipped with various military equipment and armaments
such as a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted within forward left and right windows
or a pair of 68 mm Thales Brandt or Forges de Zeebrugge side-mounted rocket launchers, each with 19 rockets
or the MU90 Impact aerial-launched torpedo
H225M has a length of 19.5 m, a height of 4.6 m, an empty weight of 5.3 tons, and a maximum take-off weight of 11.2 tons
The helicopter can reach a maximum speed of 324 km/h, cruising speed is 262 km/h
range is 920 km, service ceiling is 6,095 m, and Rate of climb is 7.4 m/s