Received Two Weeks Before Contractual Deadline

The first EC635 destined for the Swiss Air Force was handed over to the Swiss federal procurement, technology and real estate centre armasuisse at the Eurocopter factory in Donauwörth March 7 -- two weeks prior to the contractually agreed deadline.

The Swiss Light Transport and Training Helicopter (LTSH) contract, signed in April 2006, provides for the delivery of a total of 18 EC635 transport and training helicopters, plus two EC135s for the army’s air transport service. The EC635/EC135s will replace the Swiss air force’s Alouette III helicopters.

Eurocopter tells ANN all helicopters will be completed by early 2010. The first four aircraft will be manufactured at the Donauwörth Eurocopter plant, while the final assembly of the remaining 16 EC635s will be performed by RUAG Aerospace in Alpnach, Switzerland, and the helicopters will be delivered from there.

RUAG Aerospace will also be responsible for maintenance levels I and D of the Swiss air force’s EC635s/135s.

Certified in 2001, the EC635 is the military version of the civilian light twin-engine EC135 chopper. It is among the most versatile helicopters currently available on the market.

The EC635 is designed for military and paramilitary deployments and public security operations including search and rescue missions, troop transport, observation, reconnaissance, training, and supply from the air. In addition, the EC635 is ideally suited for assistance during catastrophes, for humanitarian missions, for medevac purposes and to transport cargo, medical supplies and food.

Eurocopter notes interior furnishings of the helicopter can be easily changed, and users can select different seat layouts, or install medical equipment.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com, www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home.html