Eurocopter and UK Ministry of Defense Sign Through-Life Support Contract for Royal Air Force Puma and Gazelle Helicopters

MARIGNANE, FRANCE -- Eurocopter and the UK Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the through-life support (TLS) of the Royal Air Force fleet of all Puma and Gazelle helicopters on Dec. 19, 2008. This contract will run up to end of March 2013.

The TLS contract is a transformational logistic support solution in line with the UK MoD’s approach to modernizing and rationalizing all of its support contracts for the total helicopter fleet of the UK Armed Forces. It replaces several former contracts between the MoD and Eurocopter for the support of RAF Puma HC1 and British Army Gazelle AH1 helicopters and includes firm commitments on equipment availability.

This integrated package also paves the way for the projected Puma life extension program (Puma HC2) due to be launched next year. Eurocopter will bring to this program its experience in providing integrated logistic and operational support to its military customers worldwide.

The UK Puma & Gazelle TLS program will be managed by Eurocopter with the support of logistics staff provided by its local subsidiary, Eurocopter UK Ltd.