Utility Helicopter
Airbus H225M Caracal
The Airbus H225M Caracal is a twin-engine medium-heavy military transport, search and rescue and special-forces helicopter built by Airbus Helicopters in France, in service since 2005–06. It is the military version of the H225 Super Puma, formerly called EC725.
France|Airbus HelicoptersWhat Is the Airbus H225M Caracal? Overview, History and Development
The EC725 prototype first flew in 2000, and French Air Force deliveries began in 2005–06 for combat search and rescue and special operations. It has two Makila 2A1 turboshafts of about 2,380 shp each, a five-blade composite rotor and a maximum takeoff weight of about 11,000 kg. Top speed is about 324 km/h and range about 857 km, and it carries 28 troops or 12 stretchers. It was renamed H225M in 2012.
More than 250 have been ordered. Operators include France, Brazil with about 50 built by Helibras, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kuwait with about 24, Thailand and Singapore. Poland cancelled a 50-aircraft order in 2016. French Caracals flew in Libya in 2011, Mali and the Sahel, and in rescue missions in Afghanistan. A unit costs about 30–35 million euros. Rivals include the NH90, UH-60M, AW149 and Mi-17V-5.
Airbus H225M Caracal Specifications: Speed, Range, Payload and Armament
Airbus H225M Caracal Variants and Versions Compared
The earlier designation for the same military helicopter, renamed H225M in 2012.
The current military version for transport, search and rescue and special forces, with composite blades and a four-axis autopilot.
A later development of the H225M for export and French use, details of which vary between sources.
Which Countries Use the Airbus H225M Caracal? Operators and Users
France
Brazil
Mexico
Indonesia
Malaysia
Kuwait
Thailand
SingaporeAirbus H225M Caracal FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the H225M Caracal cost?
The Airbus H225M Caracal costs about 30–35 million euros per aircraft, according to contract values such as Indonesia’s order and Malaysia’s 12-helicopter deal. These figures are approximate.
Which countries use the H225M Caracal?
The H225M is used by France, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kuwait, Thailand and Singapore. Kuwait is the Arab operator with about 24 delivered from around 2020–23, and Türkiye has not bought it.
How fast is the H225M Caracal?
The H225M Caracal has a maximum speed of about 324 km/h and cruises at about 262 to 278 km/h. Its range is about 857 km, with a ferry range of about 1,600 km using auxiliary tanks.
Is the H225M the same as the EC725?
The H225M and EC725 are the same helicopter, renamed in 2012 as part of Airbus’s new product naming. The military H225M is a derivative of the H225 Super Puma and has been in service since 2005–06.
H225M vs AW149: which is better?
The H225M is larger than the AW149, with a maximum takeoff weight of about 11,000 kg against about 8,300 kg, and it carries 28 troops against 16. The AW149 is cheaper at about US$20–25 million.
Did the 2016 H225 accident affect the military H225M?
The 2016 Norway accident, caused by a gearbox failure, involved the civil H225 Super Puma and did not affect military H225M production. The H225M continues to be built and delivered.