Eurocopter and its UK distributor, McAlpine Helicopters Limited, have confirmed orders for three new Eurocopter EC 145 helicopters by the London Metropolitan Police Authority.
 
The “Met” will be the first UK customer to operate the EC 145 in the police role and, following an extensive completion phase at McAlpine’s Oxford facility, these helicopters are scheduled to enter service between late 2006 and early 2007.
 
The EC 145 is the latest entry from Eurocopter into the medium twin range. This platform is designed with total multi-mission capability in mind. Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, the EC 145 is capable of carrying one or two pilots and eight or nine passengers. With a fast cruise speed of 135 kts, an advanced MEGHAS glass cockpit, digital autopilot for both single or dual pilot applications and an endurance of up to 3.5 hours, the EC 145 is a true multi-mission helicopter.
 
Compared to other helicopters in its class, Eurocopter claims that the EC 145 offers a significantly larger and more versatile cabin layout, which allows it to undertake a variety of additional roles including, winching, fast roping, abseiling and casualty evacuation.

Eurocopter helicopters account for 71% of the existing UK and Ireland police surveillance market, with the smaller EC 135 accounting for 52% of the helicopters deployed in this role. The EC 145 is seen as a complementary helicopter platform to the EC 135, adding a new dimension in terms of multi-role capability and lift capacity in the 3.6 ton class.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com