Eurocopter introduces its new EC 145 at HeliExpo 2002
FAA Certification Awarded on February 14, 2002HeliExpo 2002
Orlando, 14 February 2002
HeliExpo 2002 is Eurocopter's forum for the North America launch of its new product in the four metric-ton class: the twin-engined EC 145. The event coincides with the aircraft's receiving FAA certification on the opening day of the show. The EC 145 follows in the footsteps of the BK 117 C-1, and like its predecessor, it is the result of a cooperative effort with the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), who is using the type designation BK 117 C-2. A full-scale mock-up in EMS configuration is displayed on Eurocopter's booth.
Compared with the C-1, the EC 145's maximum take-off weight has been increased from 3350kg to 3585 kg, and its payload has grown to approximately 1770 kg. Its spacious, completely unobstructed cabin can be utilized for a broad variety of configurations, and it is capable of transporting up to ten persons (one pilot + nine passengers). The cabin length has grown from 2.56 to 2.96 meters, and the width has increased 18 centimeters to 1.39 meters. Its large sliding doors, together with rear loading doors the same as those on the BO 105, BK 117, and the EC 135, offer excellent cabin access from all sides. The cabin has been improved as compared to the C-1 version by removing the center post and the door supports. The EC 145 is also noteworthy for its highly reduced noise level. It is an average of 6.7 dB beneath the International Civil Aircraft Organization standards for helicopters in this class. The forward part of the cabin is almost identical to that of the EC 135; Eurocopter thus continues its cockpit design policy, intended to reduce the pilot's workload and to provide excellent visibility. Of course, the EC 145 also benefits from the "New Avionics" concept. The aircraft is powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 engines. By now, a vast number of optional equipment kits is already certified and on offer to customers for immediate utilization of this multipurpose helicopter.
The EC 145 made its first flight in June 1999, and the Japanese prototype made its maiden voyage on March 15, 2000. The success that this new model has had with customers is quite impressive: 40 machines had already been sold before the aircraft was launched on the market. The Sécurité Civile (the French Civil Defence and Emergency Preparedness Organization) has ordered 32, and the French Gendarmerie 8. Prestigeous EMS operators such as ADAC Air Rescue, REGA and Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht (DRF) as well as the Police of the German Federal State of Hessen have since followed suit, bringing the total of ordered aircraft to 48.
VFR certification for the EC 145 was granted by the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) in late 2000 and by the French Aviation Authority (DGAC) in June 2001, followed by single and dual pilot IFR certification in October 2001. American FAA certification is being granted on February 14, 2002.
The EC 145 has been well received by the market and shows all the signs of becoming another success for Eurocopter.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services.
For further information please contact:
For further information
| Jean Louis ESPES |
Tel : +33 (0) 4 42 85 95 55 Fax: +33 (0)4 42 85 95 64 |
|
Eurocopter Aéroport International Marseille Provence 13725 Marignane Cedex France | |
| Christina GOTZHEIN |
Tel : +49(0) 89 6000 64 88 Fax : +49(0) 89 6000 44 37 |
|
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH D-81663 München | |
| Chantal LINARES |
Tel : +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51 Fax : +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64 |
|
Eurocopter Aéroport International Marseille Provence 13725 Marignane Cedex France |
Web site: www.eurocopter.com
