EC175 Also To Make First Public Flight At Le Bourget
The first public flight presentations of Eurocopter's X3 hybrid
demonstrator and the new EC175 helicopter are planned at the Paris
Air Show at Le Bourget Airport this month. The company also plans
to display its enhanced EC145 T2 and AS350 B3e helicopters; an
AS565 Panther outfitted with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS);
the EC135 configured for law enforcement and customs missions; and
a version of the EC175 tailored for search and rescue
operations.
Eurocopter X3 Hybrid
“Eurocopter applies innovation every day in expanding the
boundaries of flight, and the X3 is an excellent example of how we
are preparing for the future,” said Lutz Bertling,
Eurocopter’s President & CEO. “I am sure that
professional visitors and the public alike will be impressed by the
X3's extraordinary flight demonstrations at this year’s Paris
Air Show, which are unequalled in aviation.”
The X3 demonstrator is powered by a five-blade main rotor system
and two propellers on shortspan fixed wings – a combination
that delivers excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities
of a helicopter, along with aircraft-type fast cruise speeds and
maneuverability. Eurocopter anticipates a wide range of
utilizations for the X3 hybrid helicopter concept, including
long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard duties,
border patrol missions, passenger transport, offshore operations
and inter-city shuttle services.
Eurocopter EC175
Also taking part in the Paris Air Show’s daily flight
program is the EC175, which is being developed by Eurocopter in a
joint program with China. This multi-role helicopter is in the
seven metric- ton weight category, fitting into Eurocopter’s
product range between its AS365 Dauphin and the AS332/EC225 Super
Puma aircraft families. The EC175 benefits from a mix of proven and
advanced technologies, providing excellent performance and
reliability.
The EC175 presented at Le Bourget is one of two helicopters in
the flight test and development program, which foresees the
rotary-wing aircraft’s certification during the second half
of 2011 for deliveries beginning in 2012.
EC145 T2
In the Paris Air Show’s static display area,
Eurocopter’s exhibits of its enhanced EC145 T2, AS350 B3e and
AS565 MBe represent the evolution strategy being implemented across
its product line for improved operating performance, efficiency and
maintainability. The EC145 T2 incorporates new Arriel 2E engines,
along with Eurocopter’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor,
upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital
avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.
For Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, the improved AS350 B3e
version is equipped with a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D
turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full
Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for
condition monitoring.
Eurocopter Panther Four-View
The enhanced AS565 MBe, which offers improved hot and high
performance for the Panther helicopter family, will be exhibited at
Le Bourget equipped with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS). SAWS
is developed by Eurocopter and ATE, with this flexible and
adaptable weapons system incorporating mission and targeting
systems, two multi-purpose weapon pylons with slaving units, and a
choice of weapons loads that includes guns, unguided and guided
rockets and missiles.
A special Paris Air Show event is planned by Eurocopter on June
23 to celebrate the three decades of operating excellence with its
Ecureuil/AStar helicopter family. Achievements of this product line
include more than 5,000 aircraft deliveries, 21 million-plus flight
hours, over 1,400 operators worldwide, and flight milestones such
as the highest elevation landing on Mount Everest.
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