Difference between revisions of "EC-665 Tiger UHT"

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{{About
 +
| about = German attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Tiger Eurocopter (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=tiger_uht
 
|code=tiger_uht
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into German service in 2005 as a multi-role fire support helicopter. It is a variant of the Eurocopter Tiger, which was developed by a joint venture of France and Germany in response to a requirement for an advanced anti-tank helicopter. The development of the Tiger started in 1984 and lasted until 2003, when the first production model flew. The Tiger UHT is equipped with a mast-mounted sight, which allows it to operate from behind cover and engage targets with precision-guided missiles. The Tiger UHT has also participated in several overseas deployments, such as Afghanistan and Mali, where it provided reconnaissance and fire support for ground forces. The Tiger UHT is one of the four versions of the Eurocopter Tiger, along with the HAP, HAD and ARH models used by France, Spain, and Australia, respectively. The UHT stands for Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger, which means "support helicopter Tiger" in German. The UHT differs from the other variants by having a different armament configuration, which includes PARS 3 LR fire-and-forget missiles and HOT 3 anti-tank missiles. In 2018, an upgrade program was contemplated that would enhance its performance and survivability, as well as enable it to fire the new Spike ER2 anti-tank missile; however, no final decision has been made regarding the implementation of the upgrade program.
 +
 
 +
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It has a unique advantage over most other helicopters in its ability to engage targets from behind cover using its mast-mounted sight and fire-and-forget missiles. The mast-mounted sight allows the pilot to scan the battlefield without exposing the helicopter too much, while the fire-and-forget missiles can be launched without maintaining a lock on the target. Unfortunately, the fire-and-forget missiles are not very reliable, as they frequently lose their lock due to obstacles and smoke.  They are also slow and have a fairly limited range, which means that the target could be destroyed by other players or move out of range before the missile hits. Therefore, the pilot should always be aware of the situation and choose the best moment to fire and withdraw.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
As a Eurocopter, it has the best agility and flight performance compared to other helicopters as the rest of the EC-665 seen in game. It is able to do barrel rolls metres from the ground. Despite not having the best top speed (Russian helicopters excel at that part) it is able to perform "unique" tricks mid-air for helicopters. It is not the best strike helicopter when you want to do lighting strikes (fast attacks with minimal exposure time) but it is able to "peek-a-boo" with enemies, specially since the collective pitch on the EC-665 can be increased and decreased very quickly. One of the pros, at least for flight performance, of the UHT compared to other EC-665s is the lack of the 30 mm autocannon. This reduces the weight of the helicopter, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and agility overall.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 308 || 303
+
| 309 || 290
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
  
−
The armour on this helicopter consists of 20 mm composite AMAP-AIR surrounding the cockpit and protecting the pilot and gunner. Both the pilot and the gunner sit on 5 mm thick Kevlar seats. Finally, there is an additional 8 mm of steel separating the the two engines.
+
As with most helicopters in the game, the Tiger UHT can be shot down easily by even 7.62 mm machine gun fire. However, the EC-665 crew is inside what looks like an "armoured bathtub". The crew is protected by AMAP-AIR (Advanced Modular Armour Plating Air) which is able to protect the crew from fragmentation only. It is not able to withstand machine gun fire without being damaged badly. However, the EC-665's best armour is to not be seen at all. This is something the Tiger excels at. Thanks to the GPS (Gunner Primary Sight) displacement, if the real life combat usage is followed (staying behind trees and mountains and poke just the rotor), the survivability of the EC-665 can be tremendously improved, thanks to this, it is not detected by anti-aircraft at all and will be hard to spot unless thermals are being used.
  
 
The fuel and transmission sit in the middle of the aircraft, between the gunner and the engine. There is no armour protection for the transmission and fuel, and their placement in the middle of the helicopter make them vulnerable to enemy fire.
 
The fuel and transmission sit in the middle of the aircraft, between the gunner and the engine. There is no armour protection for the transmission and fuel, and their placement in the middle of the helicopter make them vulnerable to enemy fire.
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 +
* 32 x countermeasures
 +
* 16 x large calibre countermeasures
 +
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AIM-92 Stinger|HOT-3|PARS 3 LR|FFAR Mighty Mouse|FN M3P (12.7 mm)}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
 +
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[FN M3P (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm FN M3P]] machine guns (250 rpg)
 +
| || 1* || 1* ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FN M3P (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm FN M3P]] machine guns (400 rpg)
 +
| || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| || 3*, 19 || 3*, 19 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[APKWS II (M151)]] missiles
 +
| || 7 || 7 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[APKWS II (M282)]] missiles
 +
| || 7 || 7 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[ATAS (AIM-92)]] missiles
 +
| 2 || || || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[HOT-3]] missiles
 +
| || 2, 4 || 2, 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[PARS 3 LR]] missiles
 +
| || 4 || 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="6" | * 250 rpg gunpods and triple FFAR rockets are carried concurrently on the same hardpoint
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
 
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
+
* 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 19 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 4 x HOT-3 missiles
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 22 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
 
* 8 x HOT-3 missiles
 
* 8 x HOT-3 missiles
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x HOT-3 missiles
 
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x HOT-3 missiles + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
 
−
* 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
 
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 19 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 22 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 8 x HOT-3 missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
 
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x HOT-3 missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
 
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x HOT-3 missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
 
* 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles
 
* 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x PARS 3 LR missiles
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (400 rpg = 800 total)
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x PARS 3 LR missiles + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total) + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x PARS 3 LR missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
+
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun + 4 x PARS 3 LR missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 +
;Overview
  
−
==== '''Overview''' ====
+
The EC-665 Tiger UHT is a great tank hunting helicopter, enabled through the help of its avionics, electronics, optronics and the gimmicky kind PARS 3 LR anti-tank guided missiles. The Tiger UHT is quite unlike other helicopters previously found in its tech tree. With the addition of all-new MAWS, thermal optics, air-to-air missiles and heat-seeking anti-tank guided missiles, the EC-665 Tiger UHT presents the leading edge of anti-tank helicopters. With support from friendly fighters occupying hostile aircraft and helicopters, the Tiger UHT can singlehandedly wipe out entire teams on the ground, even the latest anti-air vehicles have great difficulty taking out a Tiger UHT when piloted accordingly.
−
The EC-665 Tiger UHT is a great tank hunting helicopter, enabled through the help of its superb avionics, electronics, optronics and one-of-a-kind Anti-tank guided missiles PARS 3 LR. Although the playstyle is similar to its predecessors, the Tiger UHT is quite unlike other helicopters previously found in its tech tree. With the addition of all-new MAW, thermal optics, air to air missiles and unique Heat-seeking anti-tank guided missiles. the EC-665 Tiger UHT presents the leading edge of anti-tank helicopters. With support from friendly fighters occupying hostile aircraft and helicopters, the Tiger UHT can singlehandedly wipe out entire teams on the ground, even the latest Anti-air vehicles have great difficulty taking out a Tiger UHT when piloted accordingly.
+
 
 +
;Air-to-air combat
  
−
==== '''Air to Air combat''' ====
 
 
Although possible, the Tiger UHT should avoid actively hunting other helicopters and especially aircraft(unless unavoidable), as it is far more important to prioritize hunting ground targets instead. If required, the Tiger UHT is equipped with 4 Stinger heat-seeking missiles that work best against slow-flying targets within 750m-5km with 2km being the optimal launch distance. With an all aspect locking seeker, the missile can engage aircraft directly coming towards it, however, this is limited to a maximum distance of roughly 4km.
 
Although possible, the Tiger UHT should avoid actively hunting other helicopters and especially aircraft(unless unavoidable), as it is far more important to prioritize hunting ground targets instead. If required, the Tiger UHT is equipped with 4 Stinger heat-seeking missiles that work best against slow-flying targets within 750m-5km with 2km being the optimal launch distance. With an all aspect locking seeker, the missile can engage aircraft directly coming towards it, however, this is limited to a maximum distance of roughly 4km.
  
−
==== '''Short-range anti tank combat''' ====
+
What most don't know is that the PARS-3LR has been adjusted and now can engage air targets reliably at ranges up to 7km due to its 10G overload capability and imaging infrared seeker which is nearly impossible to fool with IR countermeasures.
−
Just like air combat, close-range anti-tank combat is not a very viable option, the 38 mighty mouse rockets or 12.7mm gun pods don't present a great tool to destroy anything that isn't soft targets. In case rockets are used, a ballistics computer assists with landing precise hits.
 
  
−
==== '''Long-range anti-tank combat''' ====
+
;Short-range anti tank combat
−
For the Tiger UHT, there are 2 choices of anti-tank guided missiles Hot-3 and Pars 3 LR. To cut it short for Hot-3, although having the highest penetration of any armament in-game, it does not perform well due to its very lacking 4.3km range. Pars 3 LR however, is the spotlight of the Tiger UHT, with its unique ability to home in on the target on its own after launch, allowing the pilot to seek cover immediately after firing the missile. The only disadvantage to the missile is the requirement to lock the target beforehand, which isn't fairly important due to the 1-second warm-up timer. This also allows all 8 missiles to be fired within 10 seconds at either the same or 8 different targets at once.
 
  
−
====== Engaging ground targets with Pars 3 LR ======
+
Just like air combat, close-range anti-tank combat is not a very viable option, the 38 Mighty Mouse rockets or 12.7 mm gun pods don't present a great tool to destroy anything that isn't soft targets. If rockets are used, the ballistics computer will assist with landing precise hits.
−
When picking out targets to engage, there are a few criteria to be checked to ensure a good hit. Targets that are moving towards cover such as buildings, terrain or smoke or stand behind bushes (not bushes as 3D decor). The task of finding targets is severely improved through the optics being mounted above the main rotor overseeing the entire helicopter and being equipped with thermal/night vision systems. This allows for great viewing angles of over -60° to 60° in the horizontal plane, and -40° to 10° in elevation.
 
  
−
An important feature about Pars 3 LR is the infrared seeker, being able to engage aircraft and especially helicopters too. Although not reliable due to the lack of a proximity fuse, this can be a live saver when fighting at ranges that exceed the range of Stinger.
+
;Long-range anti-tank combat
  
−
====== Altitude is key - Fighting against and around anti air ======
+
For the Tiger UHT, there are 2 choices of anti-tank guided missiles: HOT-3 and PARS 3 LR. Although HOT-3 has the highest penetration of any armament in-game, it does not perform well due to its very lacking 4.3 km range. PARS 3 LR however is the highlight of the Tiger UHT, with its unique ability to home-in on the target on its own after launch, allowing the pilot to seek cover immediately after firing the missile. The only disadvantage to the missile is the requirement to lock the target beforehand, which isn't too important due to the short 1-second warm-up timer. This also allows all 8 missiles to be fired within 10 seconds at either the same or 8 different targets at once.
−
In almost all cases, the Tiger UHT will face anti-air, especially missile-based systems. For these kinds of threats, there are multiple layers of protection against these types of threats. The first one being the radar warning receiver, informing about any radar pings or locks from hostile as well as friendly anti-air. For best results, it is highly advised to differentiate how many pings are picked up, and how many friendly radar-equipped anti-air units are present so that one can prepare for possible attacks. Although a radar lock can be a giveaway if anti-aircraft is active, a missile warning system is installed in addition to the radar warning system. It will inform you if any type of missile has been launched at the Tiger UHT, either ground or air-based missiles. Following the missile warning, multiple ways of evasion and countermeasures can be deployed and used, commonly being flares, quickly lowering altitude, changing the direction of flight, bringing hard cover between the helicopter and launch direction.
 
  
−
The most important part about defending against missile systems is altitude, in cases when the missile is below 25 meters over the ground, which will disable the proximity fuse until it reaches above 25 meters again, greatly limiting its effectiveness against low flying/hovering helicopters. This can be used to reliably evade missiles when no hard cover such as a hill is available.
+
;Engaging ground targets with PARS 3 LR
  
−
==== Conclusion ====
+
[[File:Pars_3_LR_demonstration.mp4|right|thumb|x300px|Engagement of multiple tank targets using PARS 3 LR]]
−
When deployed properly, the Tiger UHT is a great addition to any lineup. What it lacks against aircraft, it will quickly make up against any ground targets or helicopters.
+
When picking out targets to engage, there are a few criteria to be checked to ensure a good hit. Targets that are moving towards cover such as buildings, terrain, or smoke, or sitting behind bushes (not bushes as 3D decorations). The task of finding targets is greatly improved through the optics being mounted above the main rotor overseeing the entire helicopter and being equipped with thermal/night vision systems. This allows for great viewing angles of over -180° to 180° in the horizontal plane, and -90° to 10° in elevation.
 +
 
 +
An important feature about PARS 3 LR is the infrared seeker, being able to engage aircraft and especially helicopters too. Although not reliable due to the lack of a proximity fuse, this can be a live saver when fighting at ranges that exceed the range of Stinger.
 +
 
 +
;Altitude is key - Fighting against and around anti-air
 +
 
 +
In almost all cases, the Tiger UHT will face anti-air vehicles, especially missile-based systems. For these kinds of threats, there are multiple layers of protection against these types of threats. The first one being the radar warning receiver, informing about any radar pings or locks from hostile as well as friendly anti-air. For best results, it is highly advised to differentiate how many pings are picked up, and how many friendly radar-equipped anti-air units are present so that one can prepare for possible attacks. Although a radar lock can be a giveaway if anti-aircraft is active, a missile warning system is installed in addition to the radar warning system. It will inform you if any type of missile has been launched at the Tiger UHT, either ground or air-based missiles. Following the missile warning, multiple ways of evasion and countermeasures can be deployed and used, commonly being flares, quickly lowering altitude, changing the direction of flight, bringing hard cover between the helicopter and launch direction.
 +
 
 +
The most important part about defending against missile systems is altitude, in cases when the missile is below 25 metres over the ground, which will disable the proximity fuse until it reaches above 25 metres again, greatly limiting its effectiveness against low flying/hovering helicopters. This can be used to reliably evade missiles when no hard cover such as a hill is available.
 +
 
 +
;Conclusion
 +
 
 +
When deployed properly, the Tiger UHT is a great addition to any line-up. What it lacks against aircraft, it will quickly make up against any ground targets or helicopters.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 107: Line 166:
 
* Optic is mounted above the rotor, has the ability to only expose the optic and fire on enemies
 
* Optic is mounted above the rotor, has the ability to only expose the optic and fire on enemies
 
* Wide viewing angles on the Optics allow for instant target acquisition and engagement
 
* Wide viewing angles on the Optics allow for instant target acquisition and engagement
−
* Fire-and-forget ATGMs
+
* Fire-and-forget PARS-3 LR Missiles
 
* Very manoeuvrable
 
* Very manoeuvrable
 
* Has RWR and MAW
 
* Has RWR and MAW
 
* Low thermal signature
 
* Low thermal signature
 
* Thermal sight
 
* Thermal sight
−
* Stingers and PARS-3 can be used against aircraft
+
* Very high Zoom on the optics
 +
* PARS-3 can be used against aircraft
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* With the optic mounted above the rotor looking down you will see the rotor spinning
 
* With the optic mounted above the rotor looking down you will see the rotor spinning
−
* Only hardpoint mounted machineguns
+
* Only hardpoint mounted machine guns
 
* No radar
 
* No radar
−
* IR missiles will loose lock through smoke and obstacles
+
* IR missiles will lose lock through smoke and obstacles
 
* Stinger is not effective against fast moving targets greatly limiting self-defence against aircraft
 
* Stinger is not effective against fast moving targets greatly limiting self-defence against aircraft
−
* Only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs  
+
* Only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
 +
* PARS-3 missiles are relatively slow
 +
* Lacks IRCM to counter incoming AAM
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 128: Line 190:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=tiger_uht Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
Line 147: Line 213:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 18:54, 13 September 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the German attack helicopter EC-665 Tiger UHT. For other versions, see Tiger Eurocopter (Family).
EC-665 Tiger UHT
tiger_uht.png
GarageImage EC-665 Tiger UHT.jpg
EC-665 Tiger UHT
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 12.0 10.7
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 020 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The EC-665 Tiger UHT was introduced into German service in 2005 as a multi-role fire support helicopter. It is a variant of the Eurocopter Tiger, which was developed by a joint venture of France and Germany in response to a requirement for an advanced anti-tank helicopter. The development of the Tiger started in 1984 and lasted until 2003, when the first production model flew. The Tiger UHT is equipped with a mast-mounted sight, which allows it to operate from behind cover and engage targets with precision-guided missiles. The Tiger UHT has also participated in several overseas deployments, such as Afghanistan and Mali, where it provided reconnaissance and fire support for ground forces. The Tiger UHT is one of the four versions of the Eurocopter Tiger, along with the HAP, HAD and ARH models used by France, Spain, and Australia, respectively. The UHT stands for Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger, which means "support helicopter Tiger" in German. The UHT differs from the other variants by having a different armament configuration, which includes PARS 3 LR fire-and-forget missiles and HOT 3 anti-tank missiles. In 2018, an upgrade program was contemplated that would enhance its performance and survivability, as well as enable it to fire the new Spike ER2 anti-tank missile; however, no final decision has been made regarding the implementation of the upgrade program.

The EC-665 Tiger UHT was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision". It has a unique advantage over most other helicopters in its ability to engage targets from behind cover using its mast-mounted sight and fire-and-forget missiles. The mast-mounted sight allows the pilot to scan the battlefield without exposing the helicopter too much, while the fire-and-forget missiles can be launched without maintaining a lock on the target. Unfortunately, the fire-and-forget missiles are not very reliable, as they frequently lose their lock due to obstacles and smoke. They are also slow and have a fairly limited range, which means that the target could be destroyed by other players or move out of range before the missile hits. Therefore, the pilot should always be aware of the situation and choose the best moment to fire and withdraw.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m290 km/h
Max altitude4 000 m
Engine2 х MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390-2C
Power1 285 hp
Take-off weight6 t

As a Eurocopter, it has the best agility and flight performance compared to other helicopters as the rest of the EC-665 seen in game. It is able to do barrel rolls metres from the ground. Despite not having the best top speed (Russian helicopters excel at that part) it is able to perform "unique" tricks mid-air for helicopters. It is not the best strike helicopter when you want to do lighting strikes (fast attacks with minimal exposure time) but it is able to "peek-a-boo" with enemies, specially since the collective pitch on the EC-665 can be increased and decreased very quickly. One of the pros, at least for flight performance, of the UHT compared to other EC-665s is the lack of the 30 mm autocannon. This reduces the weight of the helicopter, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and agility overall.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 268 256 4000
Upgraded 309 290

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural460 km/h
Gear420 km/h

As with most helicopters in the game, the Tiger UHT can be shot down easily by even 7.62 mm machine gun fire. However, the EC-665 crew is inside what looks like an "armoured bathtub". The crew is protected by AMAP-AIR (Advanced Modular Armour Plating Air) which is able to protect the crew from fragmentation only. It is not able to withstand machine gun fire without being damaged badly. However, the EC-665's best armour is to not be seen at all. This is something the Tiger excels at. Thanks to the GPS (Gunner Primary Sight) displacement, if the real life combat usage is followed (staying behind trees and mountains and poke just the rotor), the survivability of the EC-665 can be tremendously improved, thanks to this, it is not detected by anti-aircraft at all and will be hard to spot unless thermals are being used.

The fuel and transmission sit in the middle of the aircraft, between the gunner and the engine. There is no armour protection for the transmission and fuel, and their placement in the middle of the helicopter make them vulnerable to enemy fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 586 → 13 900 Sl icon.png
RB4 725 → 7 649 Sl icon.png
SB5 240 → 8 483 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications304 000 Rp icon.png
447 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 020 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 200 / 330 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
FN HMP400 LCC
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HOT-3
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
APKWS II
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods rocket gun.png
FN RMP LC
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
PARS 3 LR
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

The EC-665 Tiger UHT is armed with:

  • 32 x countermeasures
  • 16 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The EC-665 Tiger UHT can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4
Hardpoints EC-665 Tiger UHT.png
12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg) 1* 1*
12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (400 rpg) 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 3*, 19 3*, 19
APKWS II (M151) missiles 7 7
APKWS II (M282) missiles 7 7
ATAS (AIM-92) missiles 2 2
HOT-3 missiles 2, 4 2, 4
PARS 3 LR missiles 4 4
* 250 rpg gunpods and triple FFAR rockets are carried concurrently on the same hardpoint
Default weapon presets
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
  • 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
  • 4 x HOT-3 missiles
  • 8 x HOT-3 missiles
  • 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles
  • 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total) + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles

Usage in battles

Overview

The EC-665 Tiger UHT is a great tank hunting helicopter, enabled through the help of its avionics, electronics, optronics and the gimmicky kind PARS 3 LR anti-tank guided missiles. The Tiger UHT is quite unlike other helicopters previously found in its tech tree. With the addition of all-new MAWS, thermal optics, air-to-air missiles and heat-seeking anti-tank guided missiles, the EC-665 Tiger UHT presents the leading edge of anti-tank helicopters. With support from friendly fighters occupying hostile aircraft and helicopters, the Tiger UHT can singlehandedly wipe out entire teams on the ground, even the latest anti-air vehicles have great difficulty taking out a Tiger UHT when piloted accordingly.

Air-to-air combat

Although possible, the Tiger UHT should avoid actively hunting other helicopters and especially aircraft(unless unavoidable), as it is far more important to prioritize hunting ground targets instead. If required, the Tiger UHT is equipped with 4 Stinger heat-seeking missiles that work best against slow-flying targets within 750m-5km with 2km being the optimal launch distance. With an all aspect locking seeker, the missile can engage aircraft directly coming towards it, however, this is limited to a maximum distance of roughly 4km.

What most don't know is that the PARS-3LR has been adjusted and now can engage air targets reliably at ranges up to 7km due to its 10G overload capability and imaging infrared seeker which is nearly impossible to fool with IR countermeasures.

Short-range anti tank combat

Just like air combat, close-range anti-tank combat is not a very viable option, the 38 Mighty Mouse rockets or 12.7 mm gun pods don't present a great tool to destroy anything that isn't soft targets. If rockets are used, the ballistics computer will assist with landing precise hits.

Long-range anti-tank combat

For the Tiger UHT, there are 2 choices of anti-tank guided missiles: HOT-3 and PARS 3 LR. Although HOT-3 has the highest penetration of any armament in-game, it does not perform well due to its very lacking 4.3 km range. PARS 3 LR however is the highlight of the Tiger UHT, with its unique ability to home-in on the target on its own after launch, allowing the pilot to seek cover immediately after firing the missile. The only disadvantage to the missile is the requirement to lock the target beforehand, which isn't too important due to the short 1-second warm-up timer. This also allows all 8 missiles to be fired within 10 seconds at either the same or 8 different targets at once.

Engaging ground targets with PARS 3 LR
Engagement of multiple tank targets using PARS 3 LR

When picking out targets to engage, there are a few criteria to be checked to ensure a good hit. Targets that are moving towards cover such as buildings, terrain, or smoke, or sitting behind bushes (not bushes as 3D decorations). The task of finding targets is greatly improved through the optics being mounted above the main rotor overseeing the entire helicopter and being equipped with thermal/night vision systems. This allows for great viewing angles of over -180° to 180° in the horizontal plane, and -90° to 10° in elevation.

An important feature about PARS 3 LR is the infrared seeker, being able to engage aircraft and especially helicopters too. Although not reliable due to the lack of a proximity fuse, this can be a live saver when fighting at ranges that exceed the range of Stinger.

Altitude is key - Fighting against and around anti-air

In almost all cases, the Tiger UHT will face anti-air vehicles, especially missile-based systems. For these kinds of threats, there are multiple layers of protection against these types of threats. The first one being the radar warning receiver, informing about any radar pings or locks from hostile as well as friendly anti-air. For best results, it is highly advised to differentiate how many pings are picked up, and how many friendly radar-equipped anti-air units are present so that one can prepare for possible attacks. Although a radar lock can be a giveaway if anti-aircraft is active, a missile warning system is installed in addition to the radar warning system. It will inform you if any type of missile has been launched at the Tiger UHT, either ground or air-based missiles. Following the missile warning, multiple ways of evasion and countermeasures can be deployed and used, commonly being flares, quickly lowering altitude, changing the direction of flight, bringing hard cover between the helicopter and launch direction.

The most important part about defending against missile systems is altitude, in cases when the missile is below 25 metres over the ground, which will disable the proximity fuse until it reaches above 25 metres again, greatly limiting its effectiveness against low flying/hovering helicopters. This can be used to reliably evade missiles when no hard cover such as a hill is available.

Conclusion

When deployed properly, the Tiger UHT is a great addition to any line-up. What it lacks against aircraft, it will quickly make up against any ground targets or helicopters.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Optic is mounted above the rotor, has the ability to only expose the optic and fire on enemies
  • Wide viewing angles on the Optics allow for instant target acquisition and engagement
  • Fire-and-forget PARS-3 LR Missiles
  • Very manoeuvrable
  • Has RWR and MAW
  • Low thermal signature
  • Thermal sight
  • Very high Zoom on the optics
  • PARS-3 can be used against aircraft

Cons:

  • With the optic mounted above the rotor looking down you will see the rotor spinning
  • Only hardpoint mounted machine guns
  • No radar
  • IR missiles will lose lock through smoke and obstacles
  • Stinger is not effective against fast moving targets greatly limiting self-defence against aircraft
  • Only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
  • PARS-3 missiles are relatively slow
  • Lacks IRCM to counter incoming AAM

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Images
  • Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 002.jpg
Videos
The Shooting Range #167 - Metal Beasts section at 00:32 discusses the Eurocopter Tiger.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the helicopter;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Eurocopter Group
Attack  EC-665 Tiger HAD · Tiger HAD Block 2 · EC-665 Tiger HAP · EC-665 Tiger UHT

Germany helicopters
Attack 
Hip  ◊Mi-8TB
Hind  ◊Mi-24P · ◄Mi-24P HFS 80
Tiger  EC-665 Tiger UHT
Utility 
BO 105  BO 105 CB-2 · BO 105 PAH-1 · BO 105 PAH-1A1
Alouette  ◄SA 313B Alouette II
Huey  ◄UH-1D

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