EC665 Tiger Mk III
Airbus Helicopters is developing the new version of the Tiger helicopter. In order to meet their operational needs in 2020 and beyond, the European countries that operate the Tiger (France, Germany, Spain) considered upgrading their fleet based on the feedback acquired during their deployment in various theatres of operation. In this context, contracts for risk assessment studies were drawn up in September 2018. The objective of these was to ensure that all of the equipment and functions had reached the necessary technical maturity during the start of development, and to prepare a development, upgrade and support offer for the Tiger Mk III.
This upgrade aims to introduce new battlefield capabilities (mission, weapon and communication systems), as well as a new avionics suite allowing all of these new systems to be managed, and to deal with cases of obsolescence. New screens will also be integrated, with a better resolution and touchscreen functionality. Moreover, the crew will also be supplied with new helmets featuring an electro-optical visor offering significantly improved performance. In terms of weapons, new surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles and rockets are planned for integration. The interoperability and communications systems are also to be upgraded to meet the increasing need for operational communications: radio, satellite communication, interfaces with national battlefield management systems and drones. Finally, all of the electrical systems (including the harnesses) are to be changed.
The development of the Mk3 was contracted by OCCAR, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, a European organization that manages armament projects between Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. OCCAR is working with Australia to keep modernizing their current fleet of Tiger ARH. But Australia had been highly critical of its 22-strong Tiger fleet and in the 2016 Defence White Paper which stated "The Government will replace the 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopters with a new armed reconnaissance capability from the mid-2020s."
On 27 September 2018 OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement / Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) has commissioned Airbus Helicopters, on behalf of the French, German and Spanish Armament agencies DGA, BAAINBw and DGAM, to perform de-risking studies aimed at providing the Tiger with next generation battlefield capabilities. Their main objective is to prepare the development and retrofit phases of the new avionics, mission, and weapon systems of the Tiger. Thales and MBDA will also take part in the studies.
“We are proud to be preparing the future of the Tiger as it represents a major program for the European Defense cooperation initiative” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The de-risking studies will ensure that France, Germany, and Spain will be able to decide on implementing the additional operational capabilities for their Tiger helicopters.” he added.
A total of 178 Tigers had been delivered to France, Germany, Spain and Australia, and have accumulated over 110,000 flight hours to date. First deployed by the French Army in Afghanistan in 2009, the Tiger continues to demonstrate its essential role on theatres of operation as a highly versatile, stealthy, and maneuverable attack helicopter.
The MkIII modernisation updates the entire armament, communications and avionics systems, while keeping the Tiger’s original assets: its structure and fuselage – along with the manoeuvrability, which is one of the helicopter’s greatest strengths. Andreas Goern, Tiger Programme Director, said: “The MkIII modernisation updates the entire armament, communications and avionics systems, while keeping the Tiger’s original assets: its structure and fuselage – along with the manoeuvrability, which is one of the helicopter’s greatest strengths.” Goern added that the Tiger MkIII will be more agile, better integrated in the digital battlefield, and will benefit from more fire power.
Tiger Flight Test Pilot Samuel Chartier summed it up: “The Tiger can manoeuvre easily, which is impressive for a rotorcraft that weighs 6.5 tonnes. With the MkIII modernisation, the Tiger will be adapted to the spirit of the times and be able to enter the digital battlefield.”
After submission of the initial offer planned for December 2019, the negotiation phase commenced with the OCCAR and the three European nations; the objective being to sign the development, modernisation and service support contract in 2020. This will concern more than 130 aircraft. The first deliveries planned after 2025 will open a new chapter in the history of the Tiger. On 02 March 2022 OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), on behalf of the French and Spanish Armament General Directorate, the DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) and the DGAM (Dirección General de Armamento y Material) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for the development, production, and initial in-service support of the Tiger MkIII attack helicopter upgrade program.
The contract includes the upgrade of 42 aircraft for France (with the possibility to add another 25 helicopters) and 18 for Spain. In addition, the contract provides the possibility for Germany to later join the Tiger MkIII programme. The first prototype is scheduled for an inaugural flight in 2025. First delivery to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) will take place in late 2029 followed by a first delivery to Spain in 2030. Development and upgrade work will be conducted in Airbus Helicopters facilities in Albacete (Spain), Marignane (France) and Donauwörth (Germany).
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