Eurocopter SAR(H)

Eurocopter is one of the manufacturers bidding to supply the Search and Rescue (SAR(H) helicopter when the contract is settled in 2012. They have put up the EC225 (one of the Super Puma family) and would also like to put up the EC175. However, the EC175 will not be ready for service until 2014, two years after the SAR programme is due to begin. The competing manufacturers are Sikorsky, with the S92, and Agusta Westland, with the AW139.

Journalists were invited to Brighton Racecourse in June to fly in the Eurocopter EC725, which is the military version of the EC225, and is currently used by the French Army (armée de Terre)...