Eurocopter EC225 / EC725
Eurocopter · International (France) · first flew 2000 · helicopter
The EC225 and military EC725 are the most developed members of the Super Puma family, twin-turboshaft medium helicopters with a new five-blade main rotor for improved smoothness and lift.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Enlarged Super Puma family fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Five-blade Spheriflex rotor with curved blade tips
- Enlarged Super Puma family fuselage
- Sponson-housed retractable landing gear
Distinguish it from earlier Super Pumas by the five-blade main rotor with distinctive swept blade tips. The fuselage keeps the family look with sponson-mounted retractable gear and a conventional tail rotor.
Specifications
- The Eurocopter EC225 / EC725 has a length of 16.79 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.2 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (plus up to 24 passengers).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Eurocopter modernised the Super Puma with uprated engines, a redesigned rotor and glass cockpit, and the new variant first flew in 2000. The civil EC225 targeted offshore transport while the EC725 Caracal served military users. Both entered service in the following years.
Variants
The EC225 (later H225) focuses on offshore energy and VIP transport, whereas the EC725 (later H225M) Caracal is configured for tactical transport, combat search and rescue and special operations. Options include air-to-air refuelling probes and defensive systems on military models. Cabin fits vary widely by role.
Where you'll see it
EC225s were a mainstay of UK North Sea offshore crew transport before wider fleet changes, and the family remains associated with heavy offshore lift. Military EC725 Caracals serve several nations in rescue and special-forces roles. The type is valued for range, capacity and all-weather capability.
Related aircraft
- Eurocopter EC 145
- Eurocopter EC130 B4
- Eurocopter EC 155B
- Eurocopter EC 120 B Colibri
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal
- AW101 Merlin HC.3
- Schweizer S-333
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.