Eurocopter Fennec
| Company type | Aerospace manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Predecessor | Eurocopter |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Marignane , France |
| Products | Military helicopters including AS550 Fennec, AS555 Fennec 2 |
| Website | www |
The Eurocopter, subsequently rebranded as Airbus Helicopters, developed the AS550 Fennec (currently known as the H125M) along with the AS555 Fennec 2, which are lightweight, versatile military helicopters. These models derive from the AS350 Ecureuil and AS355 Ecureuil 2 platforms and take their name from the fennec fox. Their armed configurations can be outfitted with coaxial guns, rocket pods, torpedoes, and a variety of other weapon systems.
Design
Designed to be compact and lightweight, the Fennec is well-suited for operation from naval vessels equipped with helipads, including destroyers and aircraft carriers, thereby increasing tactical flexibility.
There are two primary versions tailored for specific missions: the single-engine variant focuses on ease of use, dependability, and minimal upkeep, ideal for smaller-scale or special operations; meanwhile, the twin-engine model offers enhanced power and system redundancy for more demanding transport or combat roles.
Operational history
After the signing of the Vienna Treaty, military adaptations of the Écureuil were marketed under the name Fennec starting in 1990.
From February 1988 through March 1994, the French Air and Space Force received deliveries of AS555 helicopters, with 40 units still active as of 2018. Seventeen AS555 Fennecs were allocated to the French Army Light Aviation's 6th Squadron at Le Luc Training School to support training and liaison duties.
The Royal Danish Air Force acquired twelve AS550 C2 helicopters in 1987, with initial deliveries commencing in August 1990. Following geopolitical changes after the Cold War, these helicopters were repurposed primarily for reconnaissance and light transport missions. By 2003, their operation was mainly concentrated within Eskadrille 724. Danish Fennecs participated in deployments to Macedonia (2002), Iraq (2005 and 2007), and Afghanistan (2008). Defense restructuring reduced their active fleet to eight by 2006.
In 1992, Mexican Naval Aviation took delivery of four AS555 AF Fennec units.
The Argentine Navy opted for AS555-SN Fennecs as a substitute for Westland Sea Lynx helicopters after sales were halted due to the Falklands War. Financial limitations influenced the decision to adopt the Fennec as a Lynx replacement, resulting in four helicopters arriving in 1996.
India selected the AS550 C3 Fennec over the Bell 407 in February 2007 through a $500 million contract for 197 helicopters; however, this agreement was suspended amid corruption investigations and ultimately cancelled by December that year. The procurement process was reopened but eventually awarded to the Kamov Ka-226T instead of the AS550 C3.
On 20 January 2011, a Fennec helicopter provided aerial support during a Somali pirate hijacking incident involving Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL commandos. The helicopter conducted reconnaissance and supplied aerial firepower to secure both the chemical tanker and its crew.
Variants
- Single engine
- AS350 L1/L2 Ecureuil – Initial military versions of the AS350.
- AS550 C2 Fennec – Armed derivative based on the AS350 B2.
- AS550 U2 Fennec – Unarmed model derived from the AS350 B2.
- AS550 C3 Fennec – Armed variant built on the AS350 B3.
- Twin engine
- AS355 M/M2 Ecureuil 2 – Original military variants of the AS355 F.
- AS555 AF Fennec 2 – Armed model based on the AS355 N.
- AS555 AN Fennec 2 – Military armed version capable of mounting a 20 mm cannon.
- AS555 AR Fennec 2 – Equipped with both cannon and rocket armaments.
- AS555 MN Fennec 2 – Unarmed version designed for naval use.
- AS555 MR Fennec 2 – Naval configuration.
- AS555 SN Fennec 2 – Armed naval version.
- AS555 SR Fennec 2 – Naval variant fitted with weapons.
- AS555 UN Fennec 2 – Training and utility configuration.
- AS555 UR Fennec 2 – Utility-focused model.
- AS555 SP Fennec 2 – Naval adaptation of the AS355 NP.
Operators
Previous operators
Significant incidents
- On 23 April 2024, an AS555 SN Fennec 2 helicopter operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), carrying three personnel, collided mid-flight with an RMN-operated AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter that had seven crew members near the RMN Lumut Naval Base in Lumut, Perak. The rotor blades of one aircraft struck those of the other, resulting in both helicopters crashing. The Fennec descended into a swimming pool located at the stadium's sports complex. This accident happened during a training exercise in preparation for the 90th Naval Day festivities. Tragically, all ten individuals on board both helicopters lost their lives.
Bibliography
- Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. .