EC175 betters operational targets

The Eurocopter EC175 will
enter service later this year with new and increased performance figures.

In releasing EC175 enhanced performance
specifications, Eurocopter has announced a baseline payload/radius-of-action
capacity with 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles when configured for offshore
oil and gas missions. 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 an 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 and chief executive officer 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 programme is progressing and company expects to make the first
deliveries in late 2012 following certification.

Flight 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.