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===Tiger HAP===
===Tiger HAP===
The Tiger HAP/HCP (''Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection'', French for ''"Support and Escort Helicopter"'' / ''Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent''<ref>[http://www.armada-international.com/00-5/digest.htm Eurocopter Studies HCP, Armada International Website]{{dead link|date=July 2011}}, viewed on 15 October 2009</ref> French for "Multipurpose Combat Helicopter"<ref>[http://www.eads.com/1024/en/pressdb/archiv/2002/2002/en_20020722_tiger_e.html EADS press release, 2002]{{dead link|date=July 2011}} example for official use and meaning of the HCP acronym and its translation – retrieved 16 October 2009</ref>) is a medium-weight air-to-air combat and fire support helicopter built for the French Army.
The Tiger HAP/HCP (''Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection'', French for ''"Support and Escort Helicopter"'' / ''Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent''<ref>[http://www.armada-international.com/00-5/digest.htm Eurocopter Studies HCP, Armada International Website], viewed on 15 October 2009</ref> French for "Multipurpose Combat Helicopter"<ref>[http://www.eads.com/1024/en/pressdb/archiv/2002/2002/en_20020722_tiger_e.html EADS press release, 2002] example for official use and meaning of the HCP acronym and its translation – retrieved 16 October 2009</ref>) is a medium-weight air-to-air combat and fire support helicopter built for the French Army.


It is fitted with a chin-mounted GIAT 30&nbsp;mm gun turret and can carry 68&nbsp;mm [[SNEB]] unguided rockets or 20&nbsp;mm machine cannons for the fire support role as well as [[Mistral missile|Mistral]] air-to-air missiles. France's 40 HAP were delivered by 2012 at a cost of €27m/unit (~US$36m) in 2012 prices.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=French | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | accessdate=7 November 2013}}</ref>
It is fitted with a chin-mounted GIAT 30&nbsp;mm gun turret and can carry 68&nbsp;mm [[SNEB]] unguided rockets or 20&nbsp;mm machine cannons for the fire support role as well as [[Mistral missile|Mistral]] air-to-air missiles. France's 40 HAP were delivered by 2012 at a cost of €27m/unit (~US$36m) in 2012 prices.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=French | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | accessdate=7 November 2013}}</ref>

Revision as of 04:41, 18 October 2015

Tiger / Tigre
Eurocopter Tiger
Role Attack helicopter
National origin France/Germany/Spain
Manufacturer Eurocopter
First flight 27 April 1991
Introduction 2003
Status In service
Primary users French Army
Australian Army
German Army
Spanish Army
Produced 1991–present
Number built 206 planned as of 2013[1]

The Airbus Helicopters Tiger, formerly known as the Eurocopter Tiger, is a four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), the successor company to Aérospatiale's and DASA's respective helicopter divisions, which designate it as the EC665. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.

Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War, and it was initially intended as an anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. During its prolonged development period the Soviet Union collapsed, but France and Germany chose to proceed with the Tiger, developing it instead as a multirole attack helicopter. It achieved operational readiness in 2008.

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the earliest models also incorporate other advanced features such as a glass cockpit, stealth technology and high agility to increase its survivability. Improved variants have since entered service, outfitted with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. Since the type's introduction to service, Tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.

Development

Origins and early development

In 1984, the French and West German governments issued a requirement for an advanced multirole battlefield helicopter. A joint venture consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB was subsequently chosen as the preferred supplier. In 1986, the development programme was effectively cancelled due to spiralling costs; it had been officially calculated that supplying the German forces with an equivalent number of US-produced McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters would have been a considerably cheaper alternative to proceeding with development of the Tiger.[2] According to statements by the French Defence Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the collaborative effort had become more expensive than an individual national programme and was forecast to take longer to complete as well. In July 1986, a government report into the project alleged that the development had become distanced from the requirements and preferences of the military customers the Tiger was being developed for.[2]

Both France and Germany reorganised the programme, including steps such the adoption of fixed term contracts which placed greater financial risk upon the private firms involved. Thomson CSF also took over the majority of the Tiger's electronic development work, such as the visual systems and sensors.[2] Despite the early development problems and the political uncertainty between 1984 and 1986, the program was formally relaunched in November 1987; it was at this point that a greater emphasis on the attack helicopter's anti-tank capabilities came about.[3] Much of the project's organisational framework was rapidly redeveloped between 1987 and 1989; such as the installation of a Franco-German Helicopter Office to act as a program executive agency in May 1989.[4]

German Army Tiger UHT

In November 1989, Eurocopter signed an agreement that financially secured the majority of the helicopter's development through to serial production, including arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignane plane and MBB's Donauwörth facility.[5] This same arrangement also included the manufacture of five Tiger prototypes.[5] Three were to operate as unarmed testbeds and the other two as armed combat prototypes with one for the French escort helicopter variant and the other for the German anti-tank variant. The first prototype took the Tiger's maiden flight on 27 April 1991 that lasted for 30 minutes.[5]

Due to the end of the Cold War and subsequent defence budgets decreases in the 1990s, financial pressures led to further questions regarding the necessity for the entire program; in 1992 there was speculation that the German Defence Ministry may not continue with the project due to the requirement to make fiscal cutbacks.[6] However, Germany was also increasingly keen for the Tiger to perform a wider assortment of missions; beyond being an excellent anti-tank platform, the specifications of the German platform was modified to include armed battlefield reconnaissance, close air support duties to support friendly ground troops, and escorting of other helicopters.[7]

In 1992, Aérospatiale and MBB, among other companies, merged to form the Eurocopter Group; this led to considerable consolidation of the aerospace industry and the Tiger project itself.[8] A major agreement was struck in December 1996 between France and Germany that cemented the Tiger's prospects and committed the development of supporting elements, such as a series of new generation missile designs for use by the new combat helicopter.[9] National political issues continued to affect the prospects of the Tiger however. A proposed sale of up to 145 Tigers to Turkey proved a source of controversy; Turkey selected the Tiger as the preferred option, but conflicting attitudes between Eurocopter, France, and Germany in regards to military exports led to Turkey withdrawing its interest.[10]

On 18 June 1999, both Germany and France publicly placed orders for an initial batch of 160 Tiger helicopters, 80 for each nation, valued at €3.3 billion.[11] On 22 March 2002, the first production Tiger was rolled out in a large ceremony held at Eurocopter's Donauwörth factory; although production models began initial acceptance trials in 2003, the first official delivery to the French Army took place on 18 March 2005; the first official Tiger delivery to the Germany followed on 6 April 2005.[12] Germany reduced its order to 57 in March 2013.[13] In 2008 OCCAR estimated the project cost at 7,300,000,000.[14] France's FY2013 budget put their share of the project at €6.4bn (~US$8.7bn),[1] implying a programme cost of €14.7bn (~US$20.1bn) to the three main partners. The 2013 French White Paper changed the mix to 60 HAP and 20 of the more expensive HAD; at FY2013 prices, their HAP cost €27.4m/unit (~US$37m) and their HAD €36.1m/unit (~US$49m), including development costs the French Tigers cost €80m (~US$109m) each.[1]

Exports

During the 1990s, export prospects for the Tiger had been invigorated by two large bids for orders from Britain and the Netherlands.[15] Discreet talks between Britain and France regarding an association with the Tiger had been continuing since the late 1980s and, although Britain has initially dismissed industrial participation in the project, it was known by the mid 1990s that Britain was prepared to purchase modern attack helicopters from abroad.[16] Eurocopter's management were keen to press production of the Tiger into action as soon as possible, as uncertainty over the date at which production, and therefore availability, would start was viewed as negatively impacting potential export deals. In both the Netherlands and Britain, a considerable amount of lobbying pressure was applied in the hopes of the Tiger's selection.[17] However, ultimately neither country would order the Tiger to meet their requirements.[18]

An Australian Army Tiger in 2015

On 21 December 2001, Eurocopter was awarded the contract to meet the Australian Army's "AIR 87 requirement" for 22 Tiger helicopters of the ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) version. Modifications from the standard Tiger included new communications and avionics systems, as well as compatibility with Australian safety requirements.[19] Per the contract's terms, 18 of the 22 aircraft were assembled at Australian Aerospace's Brisbane facility, a subsidiary of Eurocopter.[20] On 1 July 2007, because of delays in attaining operational capability, Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation stopped all payments in regards to the procurement.[21] According to Australia's Department of Defense, by 2008 the main issues had been addressed and payments resumed accordingly.[22] In October 2010, it was revealed that the helicopters will not be fully operational for another two years.[23] In December 2011, the final Tiger ARH was delivered to the Australian Army.[24]

In September 2003, Spain selected a variant of the Tiger HAP combat support helicopter – the Tiger HAD – for its army. The 24 helicopters of this type would be armed with the PARS 3 LR and Mistral missile systems, and feature uprated Enhanced MTR390 engines capable of lifting heavier payloads.[25] Deliveries of the HAD variant began in 2007.[26] The September 2003 arrangements not only involved a procurement deal but the induction of Spain into the Tiger program itself, leading to the greater integration of parts of Spain's aeronautics industry with the new multinational Eurocopter organisation.[27] Shortly following Spain's order, France chose to not proceed with the pure anti-tank Tiger HAC variant, instead electing to procure the multirole-oriented Tiger HAD being procured by Spain.[27]

In July 2006, the Saudi government signed a €6.9 billion contract for the sale of 142 helicopters, including 12 Tiger attack helicopters.[28] However, in late 2007, the deal was cancelled for unknown reasons.[29]

In May 2007, in response to an issued tender for 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force, the Tiger was entered into a competition against multiple Russian and American helicopters.[30] In late 2009, it was reported that the Tiger would not be able to participate in the Indian field trials as it was to undergo upgrades.[31] In 2011, several Tigers participated in firing trials of the PARS 3 LR missile as part of a sales effort targeted at the Indian armed forces.[32]

As of 2012, the Tiger is competing for a 1.8 trillion contract to provide up to 20 attack helicopters for South Korea, along with the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the TAI/AgustaWestland T-129.[33][34] In January 2013, Eurocopter was reportedly in active discussions over potential Tiger procurements with Brazil, Malaysia, and Qatar.[14]

Design

Overview

The Tiger is capable of undertaking a wide range of combat missions, including armed reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-tank and close air support, escort and protection of friendly assets; and can operate during day or night in all-weather conditions, and has been designed to include operations in the aftermath of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare.[12][35] The Tiger can also be used in the maritime environment, able to operate from the decks of ships including frigates and during extreme weather conditions.[36] Amongst the Tiger's notable qualities, it possesses very high levels of agility, much of which is attributed to the design of its 13-meter four-bladed hingeless main rotor; the Tiger can perform full loops and negative g manoeuvres.[37] Power is provided by a pair of FADEC-controlled MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.[38]

Tiger in flight, 2012

The Tiger has a tandem-seat 'glass cockpit' and is operated by a two-man crew; the pilot is placed in the forward position, with the gunner seated behind.[39][40] Either of the crew members can manage the weapon systems or the primary flight controls, switching roles if necessitated; in addition to flying the aircraft, the Tiger's pilot would typically be in control of the self-defence systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapons functions.[41] While some of the weapons use dedicated control interfaces, such as the anti-tank Trigat missile, air-to-air weapons can be managed via controls on both sets of collective and cyclic sticks.[42]

Crew new to the Tiger have to undergo substantial retraining due to the differences from older platforms, particularly in higher workload management and the additional capabilities afforded by the type; one major change from preceding attack helicopters is a far greater degree of operational autonomy.[43][44] According to Andrew Warner, chief test pilot during the Tiger's development, it is "the easiest-handling aircraft I have ever flown".[45]

The system cost (helicopter, armament, support) and unit cost varies between variants; Australia's Tiger ARH has a price per unit of A$68 million,[46] the latest Tiger HAD variant is estimated to cost US$44–48 million.[47]

Survivability

Close view of a Tiger UHT's wing and pylons with various armaments attached

The protection systems employed on the Tiger includes stealth; aspects such as the visual, radar, infra-red and acoustic signatures have been minimised to better evade threats that may be present upon the battlefield.[38] According to Andrew Warner, the Tiger's survivability "relies on stealth and agility".[48] The fuselage is armoured and was developed to withstand small arms fire and 23 mm (0.91 in) cannon rounds.[49] The helicopter has various radar/laser warning and missile-approach detection systems, including EADS's AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System), as well as flares and chaff dispensers.[38][50]

The Tiger is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe.[48] The fuselage of the Tiger is made from 80% carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and kevlar, 11% aluminium, and 6% titanium.[37] The entire tail section is made of composites, including the single-section tail boom.[37] The rotors, composed of a fibre-plastic composite material, able to withstand combat damage and bird strikes. The structure of the Tiger also incorporates protection against lightning strikes and electromagnetic pulses via an embedded copper/bronze grid and copper bonding foil.[51]

The design of the Tiger includes a high degree of crash-worthiness, many of the on-board systems have redundancies and are segregated to minimise damage impact.[39][48] Components of the propulsion system, such as the rotors and drive shaft, were deliberately designed for greater ballistic tolerance than traditional designs; the gearbox also is rated for a 30-minute dry-run capability if lubrication is lost.[52] Fuel is contained in two main internal fuel tanks, an additional two smaller tanks are housed inside the stub wings.[42] In the extreme inhospitable conditions of the Afghanistan theatre, the Tiger had a reported operational availability of 90%.[53]

Avionics and armaments

Forward cockpit of a Tiger HAP

Amongst the key avionics features of the aircraft are the EUROGRID battlefield management and map display systems, integrated communications (HF/VHM/FM radio and satellite) and data transfer links, a high-authority digital automatic flight control system, and redundant MIL 1553 data buses.[38] Two redundant mission computers control the weapons, sensors, and targeting functions. The Tiger's navigational suite includes GPS, dual-redundant inertial referencing, Doppler radar, separated air data units, radio altimeter and distributed air speed sensors.[42] A dedicated nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor is used by the pilot for night time flying.[35][42]

Each crew member has a pair of multifunction liquid-crystal data displays at their control station, typically used to display internal systems information and sensory data, and to interact with the aircraft's higher systems. An additional display system is available to both crew in the form of the helmet-mounted display (HMD). The HMD is used by the flying pilot to display basic flight data with digitally enhanced optics, such as night vision or infrared imagery from the sensors, superimposed against; the gunner can use the HMD to interact with and control on-board weapon systems and view targeting data.[54]

Perhaps the most significant single avionics system fitted upon the Tiger is the mast-mounted Osiris sight/sensor; this incorporates optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser range finder/tracker/designator, and multiple gyroscopes for stabilisation.[54] Osiris performs as the main sensor for target observation and acquisition, providing firing and targeting data via the weapons computer; Osiris also enables entirely passive target acquisition to be undertaken and was developed to maximise the capabilities of the Trigat anti-tank missile developed in parallel to the Tiger itself.[41] An alternative optical system to Osiris is mounted on the aircraft's roof upon some variants.[35]

The Tiger is capable of equipping various armaments including rockets, cannon, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, controlled via a dedicated weapons control computer.[12] Munitions for anti-ground warfare include the nose-mounted 30mm Nexter turret; an assortment of external gun pods, anti-tank missiles, and up to four launchers for 70mm and 68mm rockets can be mounted on the Tiger's stub-wings. When deploying missiles such as the Mistral, the Tiger is capable of taking advantage of the munition's off-boresight capabilities.[38] A guided 70mm rocket will be developed for the Tiger based on the Roketsan Cirit.[55]

Operational history

In December 2008, final qualification of the HAP and UHT variants of the Tiger was completed, marking the platform's readiness for operational duties overseas.[56] In May 2009, the Tiger participated in readiness trials off the coast of Toulon to clear the type for active ship-board deployments.[57] By November 2009, nearly 50 Tigers had been delivered to customers and the worldwide fleet had accumulated more than 13,000 flight hours.[56]

German Tiger UHT at Grafenwöhr Army Airfield, 2011

In July 2009, three French Tiger HAP helicopters of the 5th Helicopter Regiment arrived at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, marking the first active deployment of the Tiger into an active combat zone.[58] The helicopters performed armed reconnaissance and fire support missions, acting in support of coalition ground troops fighting a Taliban insurgency.[59] The Tigers had their operational certification in Afghanistan in early August 2009;[60] one French officer described the Tiger's role in the theatre as "find, attack, suppress, seize, raid, and support".[12] By July 2010, it was reported that the Tiger detachment had totalled 1,000 operational hours in Afghanistan.[61] On 4 February 2011, a French Tiger crashed during a nighttime operation about 30 miles east of Kabul, both crew members suffered light injuries.[62][63]

In August 2009, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that the ten operational Tigers in the German Army were only suitable for pilot training, while others had not been accepted due to defects.[64] In May 2010, Germany suspended deliveries over "serious defects particularly with wiring"; in response Eurocopter stated that "Corrective measures related to wiring problems have been developed, agreed by the customer and are being implemented", and that two corrected helicopters would soon be handed over to the German military.[65]

During the 2011 military intervention in Libya, France deployed the French ship Tonnerre amphibious assault helicopter carrier, carrying a number of Tiger attack helicopters aboard, to the Libyan coast conduct military operations upon military targets within Libya.[66] On 4 June 2011, French Tigers, alongside British Army Apache helicopters, began combat operations in Libya.[67][68]

During December 2012, a total of four German Tiger UHTs were deployed to Afghanistan.[69] The UHTs operated from Mazar-i-Sharif Air Base inside Afghanistan performing reconnaissance, ground support, and convoy protection duties. All Tigers deployed to the zone had previously undergone upgrades under the ASGARD programme; the modifications include the addition of new defensive systems, sand filters for the MTR390 engines, and enhancements to the communications suite.[70] The German Army received the last of the ASGARD-upgraded Tigers in March 2014.[71] In March 2013, Spain also deployed three Tiger HAPs to the region to operate in support of Spanish ground forces.[72] From 30 January 2013 to 30 June 2014, German Tigers in Afghanistan flew 1,860 hours over 260 missions supporting NATO ground troops, Afghan security forces, and humanitarian relief operations after floods. None of Germany's four deployed Tigers fired a shot in combat, which the Bundeswehr attributed to the helicopter's psychological impact through shows of force being sufficient to counter threats.[73]

In January 2013, as part of France's intervention in the Northern Mali conflict, a small number of Tigers have been deployed for combat operations in the theatre.[14]

Variants

UH Tiger

Tiger UHT of the German Army

The UHT (from Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger German for Support Helicopter Tiger) is a medium-weight multi-role fire support helicopter built for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Under an agreement between the German government and Eurocopter made in March 2013, a total of 57 Tiger UHs are to be procured.[74]

The UHT can carry PARS 3 LR[75] "fire and forget" and/or HOT3 anti-tank missiles as well as 70 mm (2.8 in) Hydra 70 air-to-ground fire support rockets. Four AIM-92 Stinger missiles (2 on each side) are mounted for air-to-air combat. Unlike the HAP/HCP version it has no integrated gun turret, but a 12.7 mm (0.50 in) gunpod can be fitted if needed. The German Army decided against the French 30 mm (1.2 in) GIAT cannon used on other Tiger versions due to dissatisfation with the heavy recoil of this weapon.[citation needed] Another difference is the use of a mast-mounted sight, which has second-generation infrared and CCD TV cameras (range 18 km).

Tiger HAP

The Tiger HAP/HCP (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection, French for "Support and Escort Helicopter" / Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent[76] French for "Multipurpose Combat Helicopter"[77]) is a medium-weight air-to-air combat and fire support helicopter built for the French Army.

It is fitted with a chin-mounted GIAT 30 mm gun turret and can carry 68 mm SNEB unguided rockets or 20 mm machine cannons for the fire support role as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles. France's 40 HAP were delivered by 2012 at a cost of €27m/unit (~US$36m) in 2012 prices.[78]

Tiger HAD

The Tiger HAD (Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction,[79] in French or Helicoptero de Apoyo y Destrucción in Spanish for "Support and Destruction Helicopter") version is essentially identical to the HAP version but better suited for operations in hot environments, with 14% more engine power available due to the upgraded Enhanced MTR390 engines (1,000 kW / 1,341 shp) and a better ballistic protection, as a result of the specific requests made by the Spanish Army. It will be equipped with the Hellfire II,[80] and the Spike ER anti-armour missiles.[81][82]

The helicopter is suited for a support and fire suppression role. It was selected by the Spanish Army and the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) decided to upgrade most of their HAP helicopters to the HAD variant. In December 2004, Spain ordered 24 of the HAD variant and France ordered 40 HADs.[83][84] France's 40 HAD will cost €35.6m/unit (~US$48m) in 2012 prices.[78]

Tiger ARH

Australian Army ARH Tiger at Avalon Airport, Australia

The Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) is the version ordered by the Australian Army to replace its OH-58 Kiowas and UH-1 Iroquois-based 'Bushranger' gunships. The Tiger ARH is a modified and upgraded version of the Tiger HAP with upgraded MTR390 engines as well as a laser designator incorporated in the Strix sight for the firing of Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles. Instead of SNEB unguided rockets, the ARH will use 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets from Belgian developer, Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ). 22 of the variant were ordered in December 2001. Most of the helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.[85]

The first two ARH helicopters were delivered to Australia on 15 December 2004. ARH deliveries were to be completed by June 2010. Full operating capability was planned for December 2011.[85]

In August 2014, the Australian Defence Force and BAE Systems Australia successfully trialled the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser guidance kit for use with the ARH's 70mm FZ unguided rockets.[86]

Operators

 Australia
A Spanish Army Tiger at the International airshow, in Madrid, Spain
 France
 Germany
 Spain

Specifications (Tiger HAP)

Tiger on static display, 2010
A Tiger flying directly overhead
External videos
video icon Eurocopter Tiger promotional video
video icon Eurocopter Tiger Air Display at ILA Berlin Air Show 2012
video icon French Tiger firing rockets in Mali

Data from Wilson,[92][dubiousdiscuss] McGowen[93]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two: pilot and weapon systems officerInternal fuel capacity: 1,080 kg (2,380 lb)

Performance Armament

  • Guns:
    • 1× 30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 cannon in chin turret, with up to 450 rounds.

On each of its two inner hardpoints and two outer hardpoints the Eurocopter Tiger can carry a combination of the following weapons:

  • Inner hardpoints:
    • 1x 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods, or
    • 22x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod, or
    • 19x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod or
    • 4x AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (Australia/France) or
    • 4x Spike-ER missiles (Spain) or
    • 4x PARS 3 LR missiles (Germany) or
    • 4x HOT3 missiles (Germany)
  • Outer hardpoints:
    • 2x Mistral air-to-air missiles, or
    • 2x FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles (Germany), or
    • 12x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod or
    • 7x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Citations
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  3. ^ Krotz 2011, p. 131.
  4. ^ Krotz 2011, p. 133.
  5. ^ a b c Krotz 2011, p. 134.
  6. ^ Krotz 2011, pp. 132, 136.
  7. ^ Krotz 2011, pp. 134, 136.
  8. ^ Krotz 2011, pp. 133–135.
  9. ^ Krotz 2011, p. 147.
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  11. ^ Krotz 2011, pp. 132, 149.
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