The Eurocopter exhibit stand (booth no.214) is to include scale models of the EC635 and AS550 C3 Fennec rotary-wing aircraft. An EC135 operated by Spain's Unidad Militar de Emergencias also will be on the static display line at Helitech.
Eurocopter's EC635 is based on Eurocopter's popular EC135 twin-engine rotary-wing aircraft, and is suited for a full range of applications - including search and rescue, medical evacuation command and control, reconnaissance and observation, escort, fire-support and border patrol, as well as peace-keeping missions.
The AS550 C3 Fennec combines compact size, excellent manoeuvrability and a capable mission system for outstanding capacity in scout, close air support and urban warfare. The equipment package on this single-engine helicopter includes a day/night aiming system and nose-mounted FLIR with laser designator for higher targeting efficiency, along with a night vision goggle-compatible cockpit.
Eurocopter has a long relationship with Portugal, which has acquired the Puma, Alouette III, Ecureuil and NH90 helicopters.
A total of 13 Pumas were delivered in 1969-1970 to the Portuguese Air Force, which was the first military service to use this rotary-wing aircraft type in combat - deploying them during the country's colonial war that was fought in Africa between 1961 and 1974. Subsequently, the Pumas were used for medical airlift and search & rescue missions - with some of them continuing in air force operations today, along with a fleet of Alouette IIIs.
The Portuguese Interior Ministry's Empresa de Medios Aéreos organisation uses four Ecureuil helicopters for airlift, utility and fire-fighting missions.
In addition, Portugal is a member of the NH90 helicopter programme, and will receive 10 of these multi-role military rotary-wing aircraft beginning in 2012.