- Yes
- No
Following on from the success of the Bo 105, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm sought to create a new design that could incorporate emerging technologies. Models of the new design, called the Bo 108, would be developed in the 1980s with the first prototype Bo 108 being introduced by MBB, who at this stage was now under DASA and later Eurocopter, in 1989 and would feature fly-by-wire controls, a jointless and bearingless main rotor, a new transmission and a more streamlined and aerodynamic design. Two different engines would be trialled, first a pair of Allison 250-C20R/1 engines similar to what was used on the Bo 105 and later a pair of Turbomeca TM319-1B Arrius engines.
Following the creation of Eurocopter, the Bo 108 would be renamed to the EC135 to fit the nomenclature of the new company. The design was also further refined with the traditional tail rotor being replaced with a fenestron tail rotor, as well as the inclusion of new composites, a resonance isolation system, and an advanced rigid main rotor. Once again two engines were selected and trailed as possible options for the new design, the Turbomeca Arrius 2B and the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B. Since both engines performed well, both would be used on production aircraft.
Just as with its predecessor, the Bo 105, the EC135 found itself being used in a number of roles from pilot training, policing, search and rescue, and even providing security for NASA’s rocket launches. It was then only a matter of time before a militarised version which came about when in 1998 Portugal requested a version of the EC135 that could be used for medical evacuation and fire support, which Eurocopter would designate the EC635. Disagreements in the program ultimately led to its cancellation however Eurocopter continued to develop the idea and in the 2000s would receive orders for the EC635 form Jordan and Switzerland.
The 2010s saw another order for the EC635, this time from Iraq who additionally requested the integration of a guided missile, the ZT3 Ingwe. This is a relatively modern laser beam riding missile with a range of 5 km and penetration of 1000 mm with a tandem charge warhead, the EC635 being able to carry a maximum of two each side. Following their delivery, they would see extensive service in Iraqi Army’s fight against ISIS. One incident on when on the 12th of December 2014 an Iraqi Army EC635 helicopter was shot down by an insurgent-launched shoulder-fired killing the two pilots on board. The following year an Iraqi EC635 was hit by significant enemy fire with the EC635 managing to return to base and both crew members surviving. Later that same year, an EC635 was damaged by shrapnel causing the helicopter to catch fire and crash land, however once again, both pilots managed to survive unharmed.
The EC635’s low-cost relative to its effectiveness ensure that it continues to be at the forefront of Airbus Helicopters (formally Eurocopter) combat helicopter offerings. In addition to the previously mentioned ZT3 Ingwe missiles, the EC635 is able to carry a variety of ordinance, including dumb fire and laser guided Hydra and SNEB rockets, 50. Calibre and 20 mm gun pods, auxiliary fuel tanks, and light machine gun positions at each cabin door. For self-protection, the EC635 features a MBDA SAPHIR-M countermeasure dispenser and EADS MILDS AN/AAR-60, as well as three wire cutters. The EC635 is also equipped with light armour protection on the pilot seats, cockpit floor, and rear.
Note: The EC635 was redesignated the H135M following Eurocopter’s merger into Airbus.
Armament
4x ZT3 Ingwe ATGM
2 × FZ231 rocket tube launch containers for 12 × unguided Hydra or WA air-to-surface missiles
2 × LAU-59/A rocket tube launch containers for 7 × each of hydra unguided air-to-surface missiles
2 × TBA Telson 12 rocket tube launch containers for 12 × SNEB unguided air-to-surface missiles each
2 × TBA Telson 8 rocket tube launch containers for 8 × ACULEUS 68 LG laser-guided air-to-surface missiles each
2 × Nexter (GIAT) POD NC 621 autocannon containers, each with a 20 mm M621 autocannon and 180 rounds of ammunition each
2 × FN-Herstal HMP 400LC-MG containers, each with an FN-M3P 12.7 mm machine gun and 400 rounds of ammunition each
Specifications
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed (Vne): 259 km/h
Cruise speed (SL, ISA): 253 km/h
Range at MTOW (SL, ISA): with standard fuel tanks 615 km
Range at MTOW (SL, ISA): with long range fuel tanks 810 km
PAYLOAD
Empty weight: 1,462 kg
Useful load: 1,488 kg
Payload and / or fuel: 1,408 kg
Maximum take-off weight: 2,950 kg
ENGINES TURBOMECA ARRIUS 2B2 OR PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PW206B2
Maximum emergency power (O.E.I.) 606 kW (812 shp)
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Cabin width: 1.5 m
Cabin and baggage compartment 4.35m² (floor) surface): 46.83 ft²
4.90 m³ (volume)
Sources
Airbus Helicopter H145M Brochure
Eurocopter EC135 - Wikipedia
Eurocopter EC635 - Wikipedia
Airbus Helicopters H135 – Wikipedia
Airbus Helicopters H135M – Wikipedia
https://www.helis.com/database/model/MBB-Bo-108/
Pratt and whitney engine, civil helicopter, EC135, helicopter manufacturer - Eurocopter - Eurocopter, an EADS company
