| The IAR-330 Puma “SOCAT” helicopter upgrade program |
This program was launched as a result of Romanian Air Force need for a multi-functional helicopter, able to accomplish difficult missions, including ground attack, in support of Land Forces, in the environment of the modern battlefield. The SOCAT program (Optical-Electronic
Reconnaissance and Anti-armor System) was aimed at developing
and fielding modern and advanced avionics and weapon systems.
The program was 150 mil. Euros worth and included the upgrade
of 25 IAR-330L Puma helicopters from the Romanian Air Force inventory. |
Fitting SOCAT system on IAR-330 Puma helicopter means the following improvements:
- Provide necessary capability to accomplish ground attack missions in support of land forces (destroy armored combat vehicles, fortifications, kill dismounted infantry, battlefield reconnaissance with real time data link, etc.)
- best fit for search and rescue, battlefield extraction and transportation from rough terrain, day and night, all-weather.
The upgrade program converts the IAR-330 Puma helicopter in a multi-functional one, capable of flying general purpose and effective ground attack missions in the harshest environment.
Main improvements consist of:
- ability to detect, identify and defeat enemy combat forces and assets at long range and with high precision;
- precise, long-range, low-level in heavy terrain areas navigation, surface skimming, day and night and all-weather flights;
- HOCAS controlls (Hands On Collective And Stick);
- real time recce data link with ground terminals and other aircraft
for data-sharing;
- automatic briefing and debriefing for shortening the recovery and
mission preparation time, i.e. quick reaction time;
- improved survivability.
The program has been run started in 1999 by IAR SA Brasov in cooperation
with Elbit corporation from Israel and included the upgrade of 25 helicopters.
It was completed inJune 9th, 2005 when the last helicopter was officialz
handed over to the Romanian Air Force.
