Three new helicopters are due to make their UK debuts at Helitech this year. Europe’s largest dedicated helicopter exhibition takes place at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, near Cambridge in the United Kingdom, from 27-29 September.

Launched earlier this year Eurocopter’s EC145 T2 has yet to be seen on display at an event in the UK in a new utility/rescue configuration.  This multi-role helicopter is the latest evolution of the EC145 and includes new Arriel 2E engines, advanced cockpit design, modern avionics, 4-axis autopilot and Eurocopter’s Fenestron tail rotor. First deliveries are anticipated for 2013.

Two other exhibitors – Cotswold Helicopter Centre and Aeriades – have confirmed that they will each showcase new two-seater helicopters in Helitech’s Static Display area. Cotswold Helicopter Centre is the UK distributor for the Guimbal Cabri G2.

Designed by Bruno Guimbal, a former senior engineer at Eurocopter, development of the Cabri has focussed on safety and performance. With a high inertia 3 blade rotor system it is more stable and easier to fly than some popular two seat designs and its state of the art instrumentation ensures simplicity of engine and fuel management.

The Cabri is the first two seat helicopter type to meet the stringent EASA CS-27 and FAR-27 regulations. Covering all helicopters up to a maximum gross weight of 3,175 kg, these regulations ensure that a rotorcraft is able to absorb high levels of energy generated in an accident without significant injury to its occupants. The Guimbal Cabri G2 represents a significant step forward in terms of crash protection levels for small helicopters. Its design incorporates sophisticated energy absorbing seats, four points safety harnesses and a Formula 1 derived impact resistant fuel cell.

Andy Moorhouse of Cotswold Helicopter Centre said, “Guimbal have spent a great deal of time and energy developing this innovative two seat helicopter. We’re looking forward to pilots and potential customers being able to see this ‘in the flesh’ during Helitech, which offers us a valuable platform to demonstrate all of its features.”

Aeriades, the regional aerospace cluster for the Lorraine region of France, will be displaying a prototype helicopter. First unveiled in June this year at Le Bourget Air Show, this Helicopter, named HAD 01, has been developed by one of the cluster’s member companies Heli Air Design. This is Heli Air Design’s first venture into the two seat light helicopter category and HAD 01 can also be offered to customers as a kit for amateur construction.  Powered by a 160 hp Solar T62 converted auxiliary power unit, the HAD 01has a maximum take-off weight of 1,543 lbs, including 728 lbs of disposable load. Currently designed to JAR-27 requirements, its fuel tanks are explosion resistant.  The first flight of the prototype is due to take place in the third quarter of 2011 and the company is hoping to achieve CS-27 certification by 2013.

Helitech Exhibition Manager, Brandon Ward, said: “We are delighted that companies are choosing Helitech to show these new helicopters in the UK for the first time.  It really is testament to the breadth of visitor that Helitech attracts.”

More details on the helicopters that will be featured in Helitech’s Static Display area will be announced nearer to the show. Visit www.helitechevents.com for more information.