The European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded the Eurocopter EC 225 helicopter
an airworthiness certificate for unrestricted operations in icing
conditions. The EC225 thus became the first helicopter in its
category to be certified to the most recent and stringent icing
regulations.
To be able to fly in such conditions, the helicopter is fitted
with a duplex-architecture protection system that satisfies the
highest level of safety requirements ever demonstrated. The 5 main
rotor blades are deiced cyclically by mats heated by metal
resistors. With this system, the blades can be folded manually. The
anti-icing system for the 4 tail rotor blades operates
continuously. The blades incorporate 4 anti-icing carbon
resistors.
The master box of the ice protection system energizes the
heating mats in the main and tail rotor blades. Power is
transferred from the stationary to rotating parts of the rotors
through slip rings, derived from those on the NH 90, i.e. a ring
and brush technology. The slip rings meet the system's electrical
(high power), reliability and service life requirements.
The development and certification phases were completed in three
flight test campaigns of about 100 flight hours, in which the
helicopter performed outstandingly in all the required icing
conditions.
At the handover of the official documents, the Super Puma/EC 225
Program Director, Bernard Fujarski, said: "Thanks to the new
certification, the EC 225 is the only helicopter in its category to
integrate a system authorizing limitation-free flying in icing
conditions. This certification will substantially expand the
helicopter's operating envelop by paving the way to an all weather
capability. It will also help to improve the overall top-level
safety concept integrated on the helicopters in this family, of
which the EC 725 - the military version of the helicopter - is also
a member."
This certification follows the certification of the AS 332 L
Super Puma in June 1983, which at the time made it the very first
helicopter in the Western world to have this operational
capability. The EC 225, which is the most advanced version in this
twin-engine, medium-weight helicopter family, has a basic takeoff
weight of 11,000 kg or 11,200 kg with a sling load. The helicopter
is designed for passenger transport, especially in the offshore and
VIP sectors, and for search and rescue operations in the public
sector.
The EC 225 features a new 5-bladed, Spheriflex-design main
rotor, a reinforced main gearbox, new engines and a novel advanced
helicopter cockpit and display system. These new proven
technologies enhance performances (speed, maneuverability), comfort
(vibration, noise) and flight safety – a quality that is
particularly appreciated by all the crews and passengers who have
flown on the helicopter.
Orders have already been received for 30 EC 225/EC 725
helicopters, and for a total of nearly 700 Super Puma/Cougar/EC
225/EC 725 helicopters.