Eurocopter EC635
| File:Eurocopter logo.svg Logo used before rebranding to Airbus Helicopters | |
| Company type | Company (former) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, defense |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Fate | Rebranded as Airbus Helicopters in 2014 |
| Successor | Airbus Helicopters |
| Headquarters | Marseille , France |
| Products | Helicopters, including the EC635 (H135M) |
The Eurocopter EC635—currently known as the Airbus Helicopters H135M—is a versatile light helicopter designed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) as a military adaptation of the Eurocopter EC135. This twin-engine rotorcraft accommodates up to eight occupants, including the pilot, and is capable of carrying military gear or weaponry. Its operational roles encompass troop transport, medical evacuation, cargo delivery, reconnaissance, surveillance, and armed combat support.
Development
The EC635 originated to fulfill a demand from the Portuguese Army for a light helicopter capable of fire support and medical evacuation to assist its specialized aviation unit, the UALE. The model was first introduced at Aviation Africa in May 1998. In October 1999, Portugal contracted nine EC635 T2 helicopters powered by Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines for €35 million. Although deliveries were anticipated by 2001, delays prompted Portugal to cancel the order in August 2002, citing Eurocopter’s inability to meet delivery deadlines. Eurocopter attributed the cancellation to disputes regarding the integration of weapons systems.
Subsequently, the Royal Jordanian Air Force acquired these nine helicopters from Portugal in October 2002, with initial deliveries commencing in July 2003. Jordan expanded its fleet by ordering an additional four units in January 2006, completing deliveries by 2007.
In April 2006, the Swiss Defence Procurement Agency (Armasuisse) placed an order for 20 EC635 helicopters intended to replace the aging Aérospatiale Alouette III within the Swiss Air Force for transport and advanced training purposes. Eurocopter manufactured the first four aircraft, while RUAG Aerospace in Switzerland produced the remaining sixteen. Deliveries were finalized between March 2008 and December 2009.
Design
Based on the Eurocopter EC135, the EC635 is optimized for military applications with enhanced weapons integration. Customers can select between two engine variants: twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engines (EC635 P2+) or twin Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines (EC635 T2+), both equipped with a FADEC system. These powerplants drive a four-blade bearingless main rotor constructed from fiber-reinforced composites and a Fenestron enclosed tail rotor, both engineered to minimize vibration and noise. Noise reduction is further improved through an Anti Resonance Isolation System (ARIS). The cockpit can be outfitted with either a traditional instrument panel or a modern glass cockpit featuring Thales' 'Avionique Nouvelle' and MEGHAS Flight Control Display System.
Eurocopter provides four primary EC635 configurations: Troop Transport (carrying up to seven soldiers or six passengers plus pilot), Medical Evacuation (accommodating one or two litters plus five medical personnel), Cargo Transport (offering 4.9 m³ of cargo volume), and Armed Mission equipped with combat systems such as the FZ233 70-mm rocket launcher from Forges de Zeebrugge. Additional optional equipment includes FLIR camera turrets, infrared searchlights, SAR weather radar, and observation electronics. Armed versions commonly incorporate the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS) kit, enabling deployment of various armaments like 12.7 mm gun pods, 20 mm cannons, 70 mm rockets, and ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank missiles.
Operational history
In March 2008, the Swiss Air Force introduced 18 EC635 P2 helicopters to succeed the older Aérospatiale Alouette III models in both utility and training capacities; among these, two were specially outfitted for VIP transport.
Iraq placed an order for 24 EC635 T2+ helicopters in 2009, with the initial pair delivered in May 2011. These helicopters were actively utilized by the Iraqi Army during combat operations against Islamic State forces in the Iraqi Civil War. On 12 December 2014, an EC635 was downed near Samarra, resulting in the loss of both pilots. Another unit sustained irreparable damage from hostile fire in April 2015, although its crew survived. In July 2015, an EC635 struck by shrapnel in Fallujah caught fire and performed a controlled crash-landing without crew injuries.
Variants
- EC635 T1
- Introduced with certification in 2001, this variant shares its design with the EC135 T1 and features a strengthened cabin structure powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines.
- EC635 P2
- Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engines.
- EC635 T2
- Equipped with two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines.
- EC635 P2+
- Certified in 2006, this model resembles the EC135 P2+ with enhanced cabin reinforcement and two PW206B2 engines.
- EC635 T2+
- Also certified in 2006, it parallels the EC135 T2+ variant, featuring a strengthened cabin and powered by two Arrius 2B2 engines.
Operators
- Iraqi Army Aviation Command – 55th Attack Squadron
- Royal Jordanian Air Force
- Spanish Navy – Operates 10 H135Ms
- Swiss Air Force – Fleet of 19 EC635 P2+ helicopters (initially acquired 20; one lost in November 2024)
- Army Air Corps – Ordered five H135M helicopters under Project Matcha to replace Gazelle models; these units were placed into storage upon delivery.