Mon, Apr 04, 2011
Slave Lake Helicopters Is The Launch Customer For The Updated
Helo
The first of Eurocopter's newly-updated AS350 B3e will be
delivered to Slave Lake Helicopters next year. Officially launched
at Heli-Expo, 2011 the new version features a more powerful
Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, a new digital FADEC (Full
Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data
recorder.
"The selection of the AS350B3e for Slave Lake's operations was
easy; the new helicopter fits well with our expansion plans because
it gives us the ability to work effectively in mountainous regions
and over larger territories" said Mr. George Kelham, Owner, Slave
Lake Helicopters. "Our customers rely on us to fly the latest in
new technology aircraft".
Unique to the AS350 B3e with the Arriel 2D powerplant is the
opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for
protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without a
performance penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for
additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior
design.
The AS350 B3e is a member of Eurocopter's rugged and proven
Ecureuil family. Some 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98
countries for some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have cumulated
more than 22 million hours. More than 900 AS350 B3 series are
currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high
performance missions in "high and hot" conditions. The new AS350
B3e will be based in Slave Lake, Alberta and will be utilized for
forestry, oil support, tree planning and firefighting missions.
The AS350 B3e will be delivered in 2012. Certification of the
AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before
year-end. It will be powered by the new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine
which offers high performance, reliability and low maintenance
costs. The AS350 B3e cockpit will be fitted with a dual LCD-screen
Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot
to check at one glance the main vehicle and engine parameters -
thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety. The use of
composite material for the airframe, rotors and main rotor head
gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, as well
as, reducing maintenance costs.
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