DONAUWÖRTH, Germany – Eurocopter and the German Federal Ministry of Defense today signed a contract for 15 EC645 T2 light utility helicopters (LUH) to be used by Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), Germany’s Special Forces Command.

The contract, worth a total of 194 million euros covers the related equipment with deliveries planned to start late 2015 and completed by half year of 2017.

Wolfgang Schoder, chief executive officer of Eurocopter Germany, said: “By selecting the EC645 T2, the Bundeswehr is setting an international benchmark.

“They are putting their faith in proven technologies from missions around the world. Among others, the U.S. Army successfully operates a fleet of more than 270 EC145s, the aircraft on which the EC645 T2 is based. This helicopter is an economical, low-risk and quickly available solution to carry out missions for special forces that has already won out several times against international competition.”

The EC645 T2 LUH features a digital cockpit with full night vision and a 4-axis autopilot. Its communication equipment includes tactical radios with interoperability among NATO forces. It has two large sliding side doors and double doors at the rear.

The helicopter’s maximum take-off weight is 3.7 tons. It has a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor for flight operations in confined landing locations and the rotor turning on ground.

The mission equipment has fast rope system, cargo hook, hoists, pintle armament, electro-optical sensors, self-protection system and ballistic protection. The EC645 T2 is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC). The helicopter can be airlifted in an Airbus A400M aircraft.

Eurocopter has delivered EC145 family 600 helicopters to more than 40 countries including France’s Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale, Germany’s DRF air rescue organization and the German Automobile Club (ADAC).

U.S. Army has place total orders for 322 units with more than 270 aircraft have already been delivered since 2006. The U.S. Army's EC145 is designated UH-72A Lakota.