Eurocopter AS532 Cougar
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 |
| Products | Helicopters (including AS532 Cougar) |
| Parent | Airbus Helicopters |
The Eurocopter AS532 Cougar—currently known as the Airbus Helicopters H215M—is a twin-engine, medium-class military helicopter designed for versatile roles. Developed by Eurocopter, it represents an enhanced iteration of the militarized Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma. Its civilian equivalent is the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, later renamed Airbus Helicopters H215. The AS532 platform was further evolved into the Eurocopter EC725.
Design and development
Conceived as a successor to the SA 330 Puma, the AS332 Super Puma made its maiden flight in September 1977. It incorporates two 1,330 kW Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, advanced composite rotor blades, upgraded landing gear, and a redesigned tailfin.
In 1990, to differentiate military models from their civilian counterparts, the designation for military Super Pumas was changed from "AS 332" to "AS 532 Cougar."
Canada evaluated the Cougar as a potential replacement for its CH-113 Labrador fleet but ultimately procured the CH-149 Cormorant. In 2012, France launched a €288.8 million modernization initiative (€11.1 million per helicopter) targeting 23 Army Cougars and 3 Air Force units. This upgrade focused on avionics enhancement and obsolescence management, aiming to align their capabilities with those of EC225 and EC725 helicopters.
Variants
- AS532 UL/AL
- The AS 532 UL/AL represents the extended variant within the Cougar series, powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines. It supports a crew of two and can transport up to 29 soldiers or alternatively carry six stretchers along with ten additional passengers. The helicopter is capable of lifting loads up to 4.5 tons via sling. The utility version (AS 532 UL) may be equipped with the Horizon battlefield ground surveillance system, whereas the armed variant (AS 532 AL) can be outfitted with pod-mounted 20 mm cannons, 68 mm rocket pods, and side-mounted rapid-fire machine guns.
- AS532 SC
- The naval-focused AS 532SC is tailored for anti-surface warfare (ASUW) utilizing AM 39 Exocet missiles, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) employing variable-depth sonar and torpedoes, search and rescue missions, and maritime patrol duties. It is compatible with ASIST technology to facilitate deck landings and securement under rough sea conditions.
- AS535
- This version was proposed to fulfill combat search and rescue (CSAR) requirements for the French Army but was eventually replaced by the advanced Eurocopter EC725.
- HM-3
- The Brazilian Army’s designation for the AS532M1 model.
Operators
- Kurdistan
- Kurdistan Counter Terrorism Group (CTG)
- Albanian Air Force
- Brazilian Army
- Bulgarian Air Force
- Chilean Army, Chilean Navy
- French Army
- German Air Force
- Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force
- Romanian Naval Forces — confirmed procurement of two H215M Anti-Naval helicopters valued at €165 million in 2024
- Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Navy
- Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence
- Spanish Army
- Swiss Air Force
- Turkish Air Force, Turkish Army
- Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces
- Venezuelan Air Force
Former operator
Accidents
- On 4 June 1997, a Cougar helicopter was downed by a 9K32 Strela-2 missile during an operation near the Iraq border in Turkey, resulting in the deaths of 11 military personnel.
- On 29 April 2003, four individuals lost their lives when a Cougar collided with power lines during training exercises in Isparta, Turkey.
- A test flight accident occurred on 25 July 2012 in Southeastern France's Verdon Gorge, killing six company staff members; the helicopter was destined for delivery to the Albanian Armed Forces.
- On 1 June 2017, a Cougar crashed shortly after takeoff near the Iraq border in Turkey after striking power lines, causing fatalities among thirteen military personnel.
- Thirteen French soldiers died on 25 November 2019 in northern Mali when a collision occurred between a Eurocopter Tiger and an AS532 Cougar during an operational mission.
- During training on 15 April 2020, a French Army Cougar crashed, resulting in two deaths and five injuries.
- On 4 March 2021, severe weather contributed to a Cougar crash in eastern Turkey that claimed eleven military lives including Lt. Gen. Osman Erbaş; nine perished at the scene while two succumbed later in hospital.
Further Reading
- Endres, Günter G. and Michael J. Gething. Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. HarperCollins UK, 2005. .