Here’s Why The Eurocopter Tiger And Mangusta Are Among Europe’s Most Powerful Helicopters
Here’s Why The Eurocopter Tiger And Mangusta Are Among Europe’s Most Powerful Helicopters
A close look at two pivotal attack helicopters employed by European countries today.
Europe not only operates capable ASW military helicopters and excellent frigates, but also builds and deploys very powerful attack helicopters. The reason behind the European interest in attack helicopters is very obvious. The aerial spaces in the European territory are ideal for helicopter operations. Due to limited space between the nations, helicopters can perform even better than fighter and attack aircraft in some situations. Plus, attack helicopters and military helicopters, in general, can operate as multirole vehicles. At the moment, the very successful Eurocopter Tiger and the Italian A129 Mangusta are the most advanced attack helicopters that European nations have.
The Eurocopter Tiger
Eurocopter Tiger is a twin-engine attack helicopter that started serving in 2003, while it made its first flight in 1991. Airbus Helicopter has produced the national helicopter since 1991. The primary operators of the aircraft are armies belonging to Germany, Australia, France, Spain, and more. It was initially planned to have the role of an anti-tank helicopter that will defend Western Europe from a Soviet invasion. That’s something that makes more sense if you think the development of the aircraft started during the Cold wᴀʀ.
Eurocopter Tiger EC 665 – Multi-Role Combat Helicopter: