4. Eurocopter Tiger UHT ($50 million)
A medium-weight, anti-tank, multi-role fire support helicopter dubbed Tiger UHT was produced specially for German Army by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). The production of Tiger UHT began in 2002, along with its brothers, Tiger HAP and HAD, which were built for France. The first production of this aircraft was received by German Army in 2005.
This helicopter is operated by one pilot and one weapon systems officer. Anti-tank missions can be performed using HOT or Trigat missiles and the Osiris mast-mounted sight with Infrared Charge Coupled Device (IRCCD). And self-defense capability against airborne threats can be performed using Mistral Missiles.
Supported by two MTR390 turboshaft engines, Tiger UHT carries four AIM-92 Stinger missiles (2 on each side) for air-to-air combat. And it can accommodate 1,650 kilograms payload. It flies up to four thousand meters above the sea level with rate-of-climb 642 meters per minute. And the cruise range is 800 kilometers with 260 kph top speed.
Tiger series are chosen by Germany because it has low cost of ownership but high survivability. Yup, $50 million is considered as low cost compared to its features. One of its survivability features allows the cockpit to be ejected in the event of fatal failure of damage so the pilot can be saved.
