Eurocopter Tiger
Made by the helicopter division of the European firm EADS, the Eurocopter Tiger is a light attack helicopter initially to be used by Australia, France, Germany and Spain.[1] While it comes in several variants, its role is principally armed reconnaissance, similar to that of the U.S. OH-58 Kiowa Warrior.
Weapons
In the air-to-air role, it can carry either the French MBDA Mistral (missile) or U.S. FIM-92 Stinger. Crew members have helmet-mounted sights. The helicopter also fires 70mm Hydra unguided rockets.
For antitank and fortification ground attack, the Australian versions will use the U.S. AGM-114 Hellfire II. German Tigers will use the Euromissile HOT 3 and Euromissile TRIGAT LR. A final decision on the antitank missile has not been made by France and Spain. French versions mount a 30mm autocannon.
EADS makes the electronic defense system, which includes infrared, radar and laser warning receivers; an electronic warfare expendables dispenser; and a central processor.
Avionics
To identify and lock on ground targets, it has a Mast Mounted Sight with a thermal viewer and laser rangefinder. For both night navigation and target spotting, it has nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) with a 40° x 30° field of view.