Mon, Jan 09, 2012
Claims 30 Percent Increased Performance Over Design
Baseline
The next-generation Eurocopter EC175 will incorporate
significantly increased range and payload capacity when it enters
service at the end of this year, and the company says will be the
first seven metric ton-category helicopter delivered with such
capabilities.
In releasing EC175 enhanced performance specifications today,
Eurocopter announced a baseline payload/radius-of-action capacity
with 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles when configured for
offshore oil and gas missions, out-performing any medium-lift
helicopter on the market in terms of competitiveness. This
represents a 30 percent performance increase compared with the
initial performance baseline. For longer-range missions, EC175 can
transport 12 passengers to a radius of action of 190 nautical
miles.
In addition, Eurocopter has launched the development of a 18
passengers configuration option, aiming at carrying those 18
passengers to a radius-of-action of 100 nautical miles.
“Eurocopter has maintained a two-way dialog with operators
and end-users throughout the EC175’s development program,
providing us with an ever better understanding of their operational
needs from 2012 and beyond,” explained Eurocopter President
& CEO Lutz Bertling. “As a result, we have incorporated
certain adaptations that will further improve the
helicopter’s operational capability, placing it ahead of the
competition from its entry into service.”
The EC175 program is progressing well, with first deliveries
targeted in late 2012 following certification in the offshore
mission configuration with the enhanced performance.
Ongoing testing continues to validate the EC175’s design,
including cold and hot weather trials, bird strike tests, and
gearbox operation for 30 minutes after loss of oil. Two EC175
prototypes have logged more than 270 flight hours to date and
industrial activity is continuing – with the first two serial
aircraft being assembled at the Eurocopter’s Marignane
facility in France. (Image provided by Eurocopter)
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