The First EC 145 Delivered to Switzerland
Marignane, 12 December 2002
On Thursday, the Swiss air rescue organization REGA received the first of five EC 145 helicopters in Donauwörth (Germany) that it had ordered. The helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter describes this delivery as being of major strategic importance. Switzerland together with REGA is synonymous with supreme standards in air rescue and is consequently a prestigious customer for the new Eurocopter model.
With its first EC 145, REGA has procured one of the world’s most modern rescue helicopters. Besides its advanced digital glass cockpit (Avionique Nouvelle by Thales), the helicopter stands out particularly with its unique, self-supporting, fibre-composite cockpit-airframe construction. With a utilisable cabin length of 3.42 m and a width of 1.66 m, the chopper features above-average cabin comfort — a decisive criterion in air rescue — and, thanks to dispensing with the so-called centre post and the door posts, there is substantially more room inside the helicopter. In addition, the EC 145 features a combined cabin cargo bay without steps and excellent access from all sides via wide rear and side doors.
Over and above this, the twin-engined EC 145, based on extensive empirical know-how from 30 years of air rescue, complies with the most recent JAR guidelines (Joint Aviation Regulations OPS3) and at the same time with the most up-to-date medical requirements. The IFR-compatible (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopter handed over to REGA accommodates four crew members. A swivel chair makes it easier for the accompanying doctor to care optimally for up to two reclining patients. In addition, an avalanche dog can be transported in the helicopter if necessary.
The EC 145 is equipped with an internationally recognized, modular EMS system made by the Aerolite company and permitting primary as well as secondary rescue missions. Modular equipment of this type represents an indispensable requirement of major customers such as REGA in order to be able to convert or retrofit their helicopters as required in line with the specific mission.
Further important components are among other items the night-vision-goggle compatibility of the cockpit equipment, a rotating and swivelling 400-watt landing searchlight, snowboards for use in high mountain regions, as well as a rescue winch.
The EC 145 is powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL 1 E2 engines which, thanks to their low noise emission in conjunction with innovative rotor blades, lie on an average 6.7 dB below the ICAO regulations for helicopters of this class. Herewith the EC 145 is the quietest rescue-helicopter in its class.
Eurocopter is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS. With a turnover of 30.8 billion euros in the year 2001 and more than 100,000 employees on its payroll, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. EADS is engaged in the civil aircraft, helicopter, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services sectors.
For further information
| Jean Louis ESPES |
Tel: +33 (0) 4 42 85 95 55 Fax: +33 (0) 4 42 85 95 64 |
|
Eurocopter Aeroport 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 Aeroport 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
