Eurocopter has released details of risk-reduction studies on its Future Transport Helicopter (FTH) project that have been underway for some time with Boeing

摘要

Eurocopter and Boeing have completed pre-design work for the effort and is waiting for a final NATO Staff Target by the end of 2012.The companies see a large market of both military and civil customers.The aircraft is being designed for a maximum take-off gross weight of 73,000 Ib (33t) and an internal payload of 33,000 Ib (15t), similar to that of the CH-53K but with a cabin closer to that of a C-130 transport.Two series of wind tunnel tests have been completed in the Boeing V/STOLTunnel. Meanwhile, the German Army has recently received a delivery of the first of 40 upgraded CH-53GA transport helicopters from Eurocopter.The upgrades are expected to extend the useful life of the aircraft to 2025, where it is hoped to be replaced by the FTH.