EC 145 - The latest Member of the Eurocopter Family Enters the Law Enforcement and EMS Markets
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
With the service introduction of the EC 145 in April 2002, Eurocopter has launched a highly promising new aircraft in the world market which excels in terms of cabin space and versatility. The aircraft's superb acceptance in the law enforcement and EMS markets underscores the excellent cooperation between Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) of Japan - like the BK 117 which is still doing well in the market, the EC 145 is a joint program, with KHI using the type designation of BK 117 C-2 for the EC 145 in Japan to emphasize the "family tradition".
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 Hesse 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 was granted in February 2002. In April 2002, the first aircraft have been delivered, to the Securite Civile and the Police Helicopter Squadron of Hesse respectively.
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 more detailed information, please contact:
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 60 00 64 88
Fax: +49(0) 89 60 00 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
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
Christoph MÜLLER
Tel: +49(0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49(0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web Site: www.eurocopter.com
