Eurocopter hands over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft to UK MoD

Gestart door Lex, 13/09/2012 | 17:59 uur

dudge

RAF Puma HC2

It is perhaps quite easy to forget just how long the Puma helicopter has been in service with the RAF. After over 40 years of service (since 1971) the Puma 2 or HC2 upgrade programme (Puma Life Extension Programme) will deliver 24 upgraded airframes and a range of supporting services. The programme cost is £260m with £78m being carried out in the UK, Vector Aerospace supporting the integration of the defence aids systems for example, the balance by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) in France and Romania. An assessment contract was let to Eurocopter in 2007 with the upgrade contract coming a couple of years later in September 2009. The contract was originally for 28 aircraft but this has since reduced to 24 (in 2012), from a total original fleet size of 33.

Upgrades and Numbers

The RAF describes the Puma HC2 as

   As Support Helicopters (SH) within the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), the Puma is used in the classic support role of tactical troop and load (internal/underslung) movement by day or night. The aircraft accommodate up to 16 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops or up to 2 tonnes of freight. Another major role is that of casualty evacuation, for which, 6 stretchers can be fitted.

The upgraded aircraft will benefit from;

   Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines that provide 40% more power than the existing Turbomeca Turmos IIIC4 with 25% fuel consumption reduction (this element will consume about £45m of the programme budget)

   Glass cockpit and 4 axis dual duplex digital flight control system (DAFCS) autopilot, the latter reportedly more advanced than any other UK military helicopter and that will enable flying in extremely challenging environments
   Increased fuel capacity, combined with improved fuel efficiency will allow HC2 to carry twice as much three times as far as the HC1, with a 3 hour flight endurance

   Upgraded communications fit including beyond line of sight

   Upgraded DAS (Selex HIDAS)

   Structural modification on the upper section; fuel system, multipurpose air intake, and electrical wiring modifications; and a tail boom reinforcement.

   Upgraded main gear box

   Ballistic protection for crew and passengers

By November 2013, seven upgraded aircraft were in service with 33 and 230 Squadrons and the full programme is scheduled to complete in 2014/15.

Puma HC2 Life Extension Programme

The niche role for Puma is reportedly confined spaces, where Merlin and Chinook are simply too big with too great a downwash, and Lynx too small.
This is manifest particularly in urban environments where it is said to be in high demand by the underwater knife fighting community and where the very advanced DAFCS will enable it to land in locations that would previously been prohibited.




Puma HC1 and HC2 Cockpit Comparison

Another valuable feature of the Puma is that it can be flying in less than four after rolling off a C17 ramp, each C17 being able to carry two Pumas.
The additional power also allows operation in previously limited hot and high environments, it has an additional 500 shaft horsepower against only a very modest increase in weight. HC2 is currently planned to go out of service by 2025 so in effect, the upgrade programme buys 10 years and 24 aircraft, which I don't think is poor value for money, despite several others voicing concerns.


Training and Logistics Support

Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the Puma HC2′s new Makila 1A1 engines will be delivered by Heli One in a 13 year contract signed in February last year (2013)

From the Heli One press release

   Heli-One, a division of CHC Helicopter, has supported over 340,000 Makila engine flying hours in the last three years alone, providing services since 1985. Heli-One were able to use their depth of operational and maintenance experience to analyse the RAF's requirements in detail and assemble a service support model. The innovative proposal includes the ability to sustain engine availability using Makila 1A1 assets from Heli-One's own stock if required.

   The CLS model is founded upon best-practices in the high-frequency commercial rotary Oil and Gas support sector developed for 'Power by the Hour' (PBH) contracts. PBH contracts allow the customer to have complete budget awareness and control. The MoD will be able to forecast schedules of expenditure based on planned flight hours logged through an RAF and Heli-One dual reporting system.

   Ian Craddock commented; "I'm extremely pleased to witness the award of this contract to Heli-One.  The Makila engine substantially increases the performance of our Puma helicopters and is a vital part of the modernisation of this capability.  Heli-One have substantial experience in the support of the Makila engine and the robust support arrangements we have agreed will help secure this performance advantage for the military and deliver excellent value for the taxpayer."

   Working closely with Heli-One will enable Puma HC2 Squadrons to benefit from industry-leading responsiveness and service levels. The multimillion pound contract is for a period of 13 years. The engine repair and deep overhaul activity will take place in Heli-One's facility in Stavanger, Norway. Heli-One Norway's Turbomeca-approved engine shop is a centre of excellence for Makila support, and has been repairing and overhauling Makila engines for over 20 years. The scope of the contract will also involve Heli-One technical engineers being permanently embedded at RAF Benson to work as a team with RAF operations staff.

   Lars Landsnes said; "Heli-One is exceedingly proud to be helping the MoD pioneer a new way to manage key assets. Everything we have learned from years operating Makila engines in both benign and harsh environments will be of value in helping the RAF achieve optimal mission-readiness."

So Puma HC2 engines will be have deep overhaul and repair carried out in Norway.

This award has been followed up a year later by confirmation that Heli One have achieved certification as an Approved Maintenance Organisation.
The total size of the Makila 1A1 pool will be 58, supporting the 24 strong fleet, with 3,000 hours between overhauls.
This contract is significant for the RAF because it is the first one that has been awarded to a non engine manufacturer and where commercial Makila 1A1 engines can be injected into the system to maintain availability.
Another contract will provide for ground school and simulator aircrew training at  CAE's Medium Support Helicopters Training Facility (MSHATF)
CAE Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF)

Specifically for the HC2, the existing Puma simulator has been upgraded to accommodate the HC2

The CAE Medium Support Helicopters Training Facility (MSHATF) at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire is an impressive facility with a range of networked classrooms and 6 full simulators, 3 for Chinook, 2 for Merlin and 1 for Puma. Personnel from other nations such as from the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Australian, Oman and Japanese also make use of the facility, this offsetting the cost to the MoD
Medium Support Helicopters Training Facility 640x378 RAF Puma HC2Medium Support Helicopters Training Facility

Two small UK companies are also supporting the Puma HC2 introduction, Lutra Associates and Oxford Specialist Coachbuilders who between them have delivered an two escape trainers. Best of all, the escape trainers will be fitted into two modified ISO container to enable easy re-siting, oh, happy days.



http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2014/04/raf-puma-hc2/

Harald

Citaat van: Thomasen op 26/11/2013 | 17:25 uur
Vast wel. Al moet je je realiseren dat we in NL met de Cougar vliegen die, verwacht ik, reeds een modernere standaard heeft dan de Britse Puma's.
Weet ik. Gaat mij er om wat de mogelijkheden er zijn , wat de eventuele kosten zijn en of het rendabel is.
De Cougars zouden ook een upgrade krijgen, maar deze is volgens mij niet doorgevoerd in verband met het eegbezuinigen van de Cougars. Door het wegvallen van de Cougars zal er ook flink in capaciteit ingeleverd worden. Vooral het gebruik van schepen.

dudge

Citaat van: Harald op 26/11/2013 | 17:13 uur
(Zo'n upgrade voor onze Cougars, is dat ook nog een optie om capaciteiten binnen de gelederen te behouden ?. Of zijn de Cougars op ?. Los van waar het geld vandaan moet komen ..  :hrmph: .. maar kan dat ? . Naar ik meen moesten de Cougars in 2015 geupgrade worden ivm regelgeving)

Vast wel. Al moet je je realiseren dat we in NL met de Cougar vliegen die, verwacht ik, reeds een modernere standaard heeft dan de Britse Puma's.

Harald

(Zo'n upgrade voor onze Cougars, is dat ook nog een optie om capaciteiten binnen de gelederen te behouden ?. Of zijn de Cougars op ?. Los van waar het geld vandaan moet komen ..  :hrmph: .. maar kan dat ? . Naar ik meen moesten de Cougars in 2015 geupgrade worden ivm regelgeving)

Upgraded RAF Puma Takes to the Skies

The RAF has begun training on the Puma Mk2 helicopter following a £260 million upgrade programme.

Pictures released today show crews from 33 and 230 Squadrons carrying out training flights of the upgraded aircraft from their base at RAF Benson in Oxford.

The multi million pound upgrade means that the helicopters benefit from new engines which give them 35 per cent more power and improved fuel efficiency to allow them to fly faster and twice as far as the Puma Mk1. They also have state of the art digitised glass cockpits and upgraded LCD instruments.

The Puma Mk2 can fit into a C-17 which means that it can be transported anywhere in the world and, crucially, can be ready to deploy in support of both combat and humanitarian missions in just 4 hours. The aircraft, with improved ballistic protection, is capable of carrying up to 16 fully equipped troops. Twin cargo doors and low rotor downwash make it ideal for transporting personnel and equipment in and out of confined urban environments.

Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne said:
"With its greater range, endurance and payload the Puma Mk2 helicopter will give the Royal Air Force significantly enhanced, agile capability in support of combat and humanitarian operations in even the most austere conditions.

"In 2012 we committed to spending £12.1 billion to ensure our helicopter capability remains up to date. The delivery of the Puma Mk2 will further strengthen our world class helicopter fleet which recently saw the introduction of the upgraded Merlin Mk2 and upgraded Chinook Mk4s."

Puma Force Commander Group Captain Nigel Colman said:
"The Puma is a remarkable aircraft and its ability to operate in urban and harsh conditions will see it play a key role in any future deployments. Needless to say the Puma Force are really enjoying getting to grips with the aircraft and are reporting that it is outperforming expectations."

Seven of the RAF's fleet of 24 Puma Mk2s have so far been delivered to RAF Benson and the remainder will be handed over during the next two years ahead of the helicopters entering service in 2015.

Almost a third - around £78m - of the upgrade carried out by Eurocopter (UK) has taken place in the UK with companies in Oxford, Oldham, Redditch, Gloucester, Boscombe Down, Basildon, Surrey, Marlow, Cheltenham and Reading contributing to the work. The remainder has taken place Eurocopter (UK)'s plants in France and Romania.

The table below highlights the companies in the UK which are benefiting from this contract.

Contractor/Place of Work/Type of Work:
- Eurocopter UK, Kidlington, Oxford: LEP Prime Contractor, Project Management, Secure Communications, TES and Role Modifications;
- Ferranti Technologies Ltd, Oldham: Helmet Mounted Display
- GKN Aerospace, Redditch: Self-sealing Fuel Tanks
- Permali, Gloucester; Ballistic Protection and Sacrificial Floor
- QinetiQ, Boscombe Down: Qualification and Testing
- Selex, Basildon, Essex: Defensive Aid Suite
- Thales, Surrey: Avionic Components
- Cobham, Marlow: Antenna Systems
- GE Aviation, Cheltenham: Aircraft Management Systems
- Rockwell Collins UK, Reading: Communication/Navigation Equipment

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/149757/raf-begins-training-on-upgraded-puma-mk2-helicopter.html


Harald

De Britten doen wel veel langer met hun materieel, de eerste door Westland gelverde Puma HC1 helicopters zijn uit 1970/71.
De vernieuwde / geupgrade naar HC2 moeten doorvliegen naar 2025.

Verbeteringen zijn :
- Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines
- glass cockpit avionics
- secure communications
- improved self-protection equipment
- new defensive aids and ballistic protection for crew and passengers
- improved structural integrity
- better hot and high performance

ik lees niets over FLIR, bewapening, voorzieningingen voor SF (of gebruiken ze dan hun Chinooks)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52287882@N05/7508425424/

Poleme

Citaat van: Thomasen op 13/09/2012 | 23:31 uur
Citaat van: Elzenga op 13/09/2012 | 23:15 uur
Nou...als Nederland net zo upgradig is als de Britten komt het uiteindelijk wel goed met de NH90s.
Een dubbele lading over een drie keer zo grote afstand is inderdaad een flinke verbetering. Eigenlijk te mooi om waar te zijn.
De nieuwe Makila 1A1 motoren leveren 35% meer vermogen bij een 25% totale lagere peut consumptie t.o.v de originele Turmo 3C4 motor.
Als ik post 1 moet geloven, dan gaat de Puma HC.2 dus 4 ton liften tegenover maar maximaal 2 ton van de HC.1.  Inclusief extra peut en bepantsering van bemanning en passagiers, reken op 750 - 800 kg meer gewicht voor de bepantsering.
Te mooi om waar te zijn.
Nulla tenaci invia est via - Voor de doorzetter is geen weg onbegaanbaar.

Poleme

Citaat van: Elzenga op 13/09/2012 | 23:15 uur
Nou...als Nederland net zo upgradig is als de Britten komt het uiteindelijk wel goed met de NH90s.
De Duitse marine wil geen NH-90's hebben, want dit type heeft volgens hun geen groeipotentieel voor een Kampfwertsteigerung a.k.a. opwaardering.
Nulla tenaci invia est via - Voor de doorzetter is geen weg onbegaanbaar.

dudge

Citaat van: Elzenga op 13/09/2012 | 23:15 uur
Nou...als Nederland net zo upgradig is als de Britten komt het uiteindelijk wel goed met de NH90s.

Een dubbele lading over een drie keer zo grote afstand is inderdaad een flinke verbetering. Eigenlijk te mooi om waar te zijn.

Elzenga

Nou...als Nederland net zo upgradig is als de Britten komt het uiteindelijk wel goed met de NH90s.

Lex

Major milestone achieved as Eurocopter hands over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft to UK MoD

The upgrade of UK Ministry of Defence Puma aircraft took a further major step forward yesterday when Eurocopter handed over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft to MOD. This upgrade will significantly enhance the aircraft's performance, mission capability and safety. The first modified aircraft will fly from Oxford into QinetiQ's Boscombe Down facility where it will support trials.

Eurocopter's first internal qualification of the Puma Mk2 was achieved on July 6, concluding the first phase of the planned developments, with further enhancements to its mission capabilities planned over the coming months. To date, Eurocopter has completed the initial upgrade process on three Puma helicopters, all of which are now involved in flight testing. The first of these will be delivered to QinetiQ's Boscombe Down military test and evaluation centre for further trials.

The Puma Mk2 helicopters represent a key element of the UK's medium battlefield support helicopter capability, and will be deployed for tactical troop and load movement by day and night. The upgrade will extend the operational lifetime and significantly upgrade the capabilities of 24 of the Royal Air Force Puma helicopters. The new Puma is an ideal medium lift platform for urban operations and its ability to be rapidly deployed by C17 make it the ideal platform for fast moving contingent combat and humanitarian operations.

"This delivery milestone marks another important accomplishment in a programme that is vital for the UK's combat capabilities, and it results equally from Eurocopter's commitment to its success and our close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence," said Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. "Once upgraded, Puma Mk2s will be serving the Royal Air Force until 2025, offering exceptional performance and capability."

Enhancements for the Puma Mk2 include major performance and safety improvements with the use of new Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines; the integration of a full glass cockpit incorporating modern avionics and a flight management system; the implementation of a digital automatic flight control system; as well as the incorporation of a secure communications suite, new defensive aids and ballistic protection for crew and passengers. Additionally, the helicopter's greater onboard fuel capacity and lower fuel consumption will increase the Puma Mk2's operating range. The Puma will be able to carry twice the payload over three times the range than its predecessor even in the most demanding of environmental conditions.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.


Eurocopter,
Oxford, England, September 13, 2012