AS-550
Fennec
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AS-550
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The FENNEC Antitank Helicopter (ATH) is a further development of the Aerospatiale AS 350 which flew for the first time in 1976. The FENNEC is built by Eurocopter in France and is only used by Denmark and Singapore. The civilian version (without weapons) is used in the French Army and the Australian Navy. The Danish Army ordered 12 FENNEC in 1987 to be delivered in 1990.
FENNEC is normally configured in the antitank version but can easily be reconfigured into an unarmed version. It is equipped for instrumentflying which means that the FENNEC is able to fly in all kinds of weather. The crew are protected by armored seats. The ATH is equipped with the weapons system HeliTOW. It consists of two TOW launchers with room for two TOW missiles each (Tube launched, Optical tracked and Wire guided), an optical sight with 3 or 12 times enlargement (like binoculars), a number of computers for calculations, and a control panel placed in front of the gunner. The max. range is 3750 meters (2.4 miles). The ATH is the most mobile antitank unit of the tactical commander. It is characterized by the ability to deploy fast, large fire concentration, and fast change of targets. ATH is capable of deployment over large distances, and move/reconnaissance in daylight as well as in darkness because the crew is equipped with Night Vision Goggles. The disadvantage of the ATH is it's ineffectiveness against stationary, camouflaged or dug in targets because they can not be recognized at large distances due to the optical sight. The ATH can not hold terrain and it is not "cost effective" against "soft" targets due to the highly specialized weapons system. The ATH can only be employed in daylight due to the limitations of an optical sight. The can not recognize and engage targets if visibility is reduced due to fog, rain, smoke, or dust. The ATH can only engage one target at the time and requires line of sight throughout the engagement (20 sec. at max. range). The ATH is not armored and therefore vulnerable to even small arms fire. The ATH is normally employed in conjunction with ground forces. In the unarmed version is the FENNEC very suitable for transportation of personnel and gear. It can transport up to 750 kg (app. 1500 pounds) in a sling underneath the helicopter. There are four seats besides the crew. Specifications Role: Antitank Helicopter Empty weight: 1750 kg Max weight: 2350 kg (2500 kg with slingload) Engine: 746 SHP Crew: 2 Speed: 100 kts. (186 km/t) Range: 420 km Endurance: 2:15 hours Fuel: 380 litres RadioS: VHF/FM, VHF/AM, UHF, HF, VHF directionfinder Armament: Helitow, roofmounted sight, 4 x 147 mm. antitank missiles 1 |
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Last change: 4/9/2007 |