Story ID: 360 Airbus Helos Support by CP
Airbus To Support RAF Pumas
By: Chris Pocock
Caption: The contract runs through 2022 but can be extended.
Word Count: 156
Airbus Helicopters is supporting the Royal Air Force fleet of Puma Mk2 helicopters under a four-year contract worth £100 million (US$116 million). The company upgraded 24 of the RAF’s original Eurocopter Pumas from 2010 with new engines, glass cockpits, and other improvements, although most of the work was done in Romania. Airbus Helicopters is providing repair, overhaul, and maintenance training services in addition to a parts-by-the-hour program.

Since accepting the upgraded machines, the RAF has deployed them to Afghanistan and to the Caribbean islands that were devastated by Hurricane Irma last year. According to Airbus, the easy transportability of the Puma by C-17 with minimal buildup required on arrival makes it a clear choice for contingency operations worldwide.

The contract runs until March 2022 but can be extended for three more years until the planned final retirement of the type.

Airbus is exhibiting at Outside Exhibit 13, 25, K8; Innovation Zone 3394; and Hall 1 1105.