Swiss airforce receives last 20 EC635 helicopters

[John Rambo]

With Google translate:

EC635 - Last of the 20 new helicopters delivered
17/12/2009
The last of the 20 EC635 helicopter is assembled. Today armasuisse Alpnach / OW the last pass of the 20 new EC635 helicopters of the Air Force. Installation and introduction of new light transport and training helicopter (LTSH) is on track. The purchase was agreed with the Armament Program 2005 (RP 05).
The first four have been fully EC635 at Eurocopter's production in Germany. Final assembly of the remaining 16 occurred in the EC635 EC-contractor RUAG Aviation in Alpnach. All 16 helicopters, which were mounted in Alpnach could be taken before the contract deadline. The first aircraft was delivered in July 2008 the Air Force. The benefit of a final assembly in Switzerland, is given by a better system knowledge, which is used for system implementation and its care and maintenance.

It is envisaged that when completed the introductory phase of the Air Force by mid-2010 and the fleet can then be transferred entirely to the use for daily operations.

Confirm Initial experience in the context of the induction in the Air Force that was obtained with this helicopter is a modern system, which satisfies the requirements. Thanks to the well-conceived and logically laid out cockpit structure as on the Cougar feel the pilots very quickly at home 'and secure.

A total of 20 new machines were procured, which replace the Alouette III. The Alouette III will be made by the end of 2010 is definitely out of service. Two of these helicopters are stationed in the Federal Air Transport Services (VIP transport) in Bern-Belp. The arms program in 2005 (RP was 05) approved the project on schedule and will be processed to high quality levels.

With the 20 new EC635, the Air Force is now in possession of a modern, versatile fleet of helicopters in the field training and transportation, the existing Super Puma and Cougar helicopters ideally complement.

Deadline Note for media:
The transition from the introduction into the operational phase will be on 28 May 2010 during a ceremony in Alpnach "rung". At that ceremony, the parties involved (Eurocopter, RUAG, Air Force and armasuisse) and the media invited.

Source: http://www.ar.admin.ch/internet/armasui ... 2.nsb.html