Airbus Helicopters EC145 new version receives EASA certificate

Airbus Helicopter EC145 (Credit: Airbus Helicopter Charles Abarr)

Airbus Helicopters newest version of the EC145 has received EASA certification. The EC145 (formerly known as EC145e) has been developed by the company to offer a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for utility users.

The new helicopter has been designed for utility missions and has its payload is increased by 146 kg from the previous EC145 utility variant.

Manfred Merk, head of the H145 program at Airbus Helicopter said: “By offering a multi-role helicopter configured with a basic cabin layout and mission-tailored systems, the EC145 meets the needs of utility and commercial operators, while being highly competitive in price and available with reduced delivery times.”

With EASA certification the EC145 is approved for single-pilot day/night operation in VFR (visual flight rules) conditions. Certification by the US FAA is expected mid-2015.

The weight of the EC145 has been reduced through removal of such items as the automatic flight control system and the replacement of conventional cockpit instruments by Garmin’s G500H avionics suite with dual electronic flight displays.

This version of the EC145 is designed for utility missions from passenger transport, aerial firefighting using a bambi bucket and external cargo loads..

Following its first flight in August 2013, the no. 1 EC145 confirmed its capabilities – including during firefighting demonstrations in Spain.