Will Emphasize Military Offerings

Eurocopter says it will utilize this year's ILA in Berlin to highlight its international market strength, and its continuing ability to innovate.

The company will display its military helicopters, the Tiger combat helicopter and NH90 tactical transport helicopter, both of which are in service with several European nations as well as Australia. These two aircraft are joined by a French Air Force EC725 in Combat SAR configuration, and three of Eurocopter's successful civil models, the EC120, EC130 and the EC135 in EMS configuration.

The Tiger, which is under delivery to Germany, France, Australia and Spain, will be featured in the daily flying display of ILA and demonstrate its spectacular maneuverability.

The NH90 (shown at right), of which 507 units are on order by 14 nations and Europe's most successful military helicopter program, is under delivery to Germany, Sweden, Italy, Australia and Finland, with deliveries to further customers to commence this year. The NH90 will join the flying display as well. Eurocopter's EC725, also on display, is in active Combat-SAR service with the French Air Force and makes its first appearance in Germany. The aircraft has seen service in Afghanistan and Lebanon, saving numerous lives.

Eurocopter will also participate in ILA's "Rotor & Rescue" helicopter conference program with several presentations of new concepts and technologies. The company's MRO capabilities in the military segment are shown on its booth in the HeliCenter. Around ILA, several other Eurocopter helicopters will be displayed by the company's customers.

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS which employs approximately 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

ILA 2007 kicks off May 27, and runs through June 1.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com