Eurocopter, MARRAKECH, Aeroexpo Morocco: Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer highlights its presence at the first international exhibition for the Aeronautic Industry and Services in North Africa with two of its key products – the EC145 and EC725 helicopters – perfect for the operational needs of the local market.
The Moroccan Kingdom has a long-standing historical relationship with Eurocopter and is no doubt one of its loyal patrons. Nearly the entire range of Eurocopter helicopters fly in the airs of this country situated at the crossroads of the Euro-African countries – ranging from Alouette, Gazelle, Lama, Puma, Dauphin, Ecureuil to Super Puma.
Eurocopter Showcases the Medium EC 145 and Heavy EC 725 Twins
EC145: Eurocopter’s latest entry into the light twin-engined helicopter market, the EC145 provides an excellent combination of proven and new technologies. This modern platform is designed with total multi-mission capability in mind. Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, the EC145 is capable of carrying one or two pilots and eight or nine passengers.
With a fast cruise speed of 135 kts, an advanced night vision goggle compatible glass cockpit, digital autopilot for either single or dual pilot applications and an endurance of up to 3.5 hours, the EC145 is a top performer in police and homeland security missions.
The French Gendarmerie currently uses the EC145 mainly for missions in high altitudes and extreme conditions. In addition to the EC145 being selected in 2007 by the London Metropolitan Police Authority and the Lithuanian Border Guard, 322 units of the EC145 have also been ordered in 2006 by the U.S. Army as its new-generation Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
EC725: The latest member of the Cougar family, the EC725 is a twin-engine, medium-weight helicopter in the 11 metric ton class, which benefits from the experience acquired by its predecessors and from major technical advances.
Having performed its maiden flight in November 2000, the EC725 is designed for long-distance tactical transport, SAR and Combat SAR missions, medical transport, and logistic support as well as operations over water. Another notable achievement is the fact that the EC725 was successfully certified for in-flight refuelling at end 2007. Notable new features of the EC725 include an entirely new main rotor head, a reinforced main gearbox, new engines, and a new integrated piloting and display system.
The EC725 program was launched in response to a requirement by the French Air Force, who has since received 6 EC725s, along with eight for the Special Operations Detachment (DAOS) of the French Army Air Corps (ALAT). The EC725 recently proved its superiority while being deployed for the French overseas operations in the Middle East.
The EC725 represents the adequate operational answer to the modern aero mobility over long distances across desert and mountainous terrains which are plentiful in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Equally deserving to be mentioned is the EC225, the civil version of the EC725, which is a versatile helicopter – a benchmark in its class – perfect for Oil & Gas and VVIP transportation. Since 2000, around 40 EC225s have been delivered and more than 80 ordered worldwide.
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. 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
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