Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer in the civil and public services markets, displays, on its booth #3128, several of its successful products and key examples of its R&D work, demonstrating its innovative strength and continued effort to increase the customer value of its helicopters.
Eurocopter’s helicopter family is represented by a SAR-configured, full-scale mock-up of the medium-class EC175, an EC145, an EC135 P2i, an EC130 B4 and an AS350 B2.
EC175 is back in a new mission configuration
The EC175 performed its successful maiden flight on December 4, 2009, precisely four years after the program was launched and on time. Flight tests continue and are on track.
A total of 114 EC175 have been pre-ordered by 14 customers to date. Type certifications by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), FAA and TCAA are slated for 2011, with first deliveries scheduled for 2012.
Eurocopter has brought back to Heli-Expo the full-scale mock-up of the EC175, reconfigured for SAR (Search-and-Rescue) missions. With its high payload, outstanding internal fuel capacity offering long range and endurance capability and the latest avionics equipment, the EC175 offers the most advanced and homogeneous SAR solution in its category. It can perform an autonomous start and take-off in less than five minutes.
A comprehensive suite of sizing and advanced search equipment (360° search radar, Electro Optical System, high intensity search light) and rescue equipment (double class 1 hoist, bubble windows, additional lights) are targeted in order to propose the most efficient SAR mission system concept.
The large cabin and storage area ensure multiple-casualties rescues, installation of a high amount of mission equipment, and facilitate state-of-the art in-flight medical treatment. Two extra-wide, sliding passenger doors allow maximum space for demanding hoist actions.
The EC175 is equipped with a full screen cockpit and a digital four-axis Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) that outperforms any other automatic pilot system on the market. It is linked to the flight management system (FMS) which provides area navigation and automatic search patterns. The AFCS, which is derived from the EC225, provides unrivalled help to the crew throughout a SAR mission by providing automatic transitions adapted to coastal environment, the most reactive and precise automatic hover mode at sea or on shore, and unique automatic management in case of an engine failure whether the aircraft is in cruise flight or in hover mode.
Triple showing of Eurocopter’s EMS capability
Eurocopter’s success in the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) industry will be represented at Heli-Expo 2010 by an EC145 for Children’s Mercy Hospital and an EC130 for Air Methods. As with the EC145, advantages of the EC130 light single-engine aircraft in the air medical service role include a wide cabin, high-mounted main and tail rotors for the safe loading and unloading with rotors turning, and low noise levels for scene work. Completing Eurocopter’s EMS line-up is a new EC135 for the German ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.) – the largest automobile club in Europe. ADAC’s extensive rotary-wing fleet is used for urgent medical rescues in Germany, and the EC135 displayed at Heli-Expo is fitted with an inlet barrier filter that reduces the risk of costly engine compressor blade erosion and foreign object damage.
AS350 AStar utility workhorse still going strong
An AS350 B2 featuring Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) equipments will highlight this helicopter’s mission versatility. The single-engine workhorse exhibited at Heli-Expo is from Canada’s Slave Lake Helicopters, which provides services that range from tree planting and forestry duties to firefighting and oil industry support. The AS350 AStar is one of the world’s best-selling helicopters, operating across the world for utility work, law enforcement, search and rescue, corporate/VIP, and air medical flights.
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, representing an order intake of 5.8 billion euros, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.
