HAD Version of Eurocopter Tiger Makes Progress

First flight of Spanish-assembled HAD version of Tiger combat helicopter.

The first Eurocopter Tiger HAD to be assembled in Spain made its first flight at Albacete in late July. (Photo: Eurocopter)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

August 16, 2013

Eurocopter reported “an important new milestone” in the Tiger combat helicopter program with the first flight of a Spanish-assembled HAD version. It will be the first to enter service with the Spanish army, by year-end. A prototype HAD/E that was assembled and flown in France has been performing the certification and qualification flight campaign in Spain since 2010. The French Army also ordered the HAD; Eurocopter delivered the first of 40 HAD/Fs last April for operational evaluation. Spain has ordered 24 HADs; six will be upgraded from HAP versions already delivered to that country.

Compared with the HAP version, the HAD has more powerful MTR390 engines, an electronic warfare system, a helmet-mounted targeting system and a roof-mounted sight. It adds Hellfire or Spike laser-guided air-ground missiles to the previous version’s armament, which comprises a 30-mm gun, rocket launchers and Mistral air-to-air missiles. “The HAP is capable of support and protection, whereas the HAD is designed for support and destruction,” DGA Tiger program manager Alexandre Barouh told journalists during a recent briefing at Eurocopter’s Marignane headquarters.

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