American Eurocopter today announced delivery of a new AS350 B2 AStar aircraft to U.S. Helicopters, Inc.

U.S. Helicopters, Inc. based in Marshville, N.C., is one of the largest operators of electronic news gathering helicopters in the country. The company has served dozens of major television stations located in cities in most of the lower 48 states.

Over half of U.S. Helicopters, Inc. fleet consists of American Eurocopter AS350 series aircraft. The first was purchased in 1995, after a meeting between the former president of American Eurocopter, David O. Smith, and U.S. Helicopters, Inc. President Cress Horne. That first AS350BA was delivered to a station in the Tampa area by Horne and Judd Chapin, the company’s first AS350 pilot, where it is still in service today.

The new AS350B2 is part of an ongoing fleet modernization program by U.S. Helicopters, Inc. It will replace an AS350BA operated in support of a Chicago-area television station since 2001.

“Our plan is to continue to upgrade our current fleet and add even more AS350B2’s as we move forward,” said Horne, founder and CEO of U.S. Helicopters, Inc.

“We are grateful for the continued business from U.S. Helicopters, Inc.,” said Treg Manning, American Eurocopter Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Even though helicopter services are generally the first to go when television stations cut budgets, U.S. Helicopters, Inc. has remained a loyal customer. They have found that the AS350 meets their needs by providing high performance, extended range, flexibility and reliability.”

The AS350 is a workhorse single-engine helicopter with the best performance in its category. Built and certified in the United States, this cost-effective helicopter accommodates five to six passengers, all in forward-facing seats. Its high performance, enhanced maneuverability and reduced pilot workload make the American Eurocopter AS350 the preferred rotary-wing aircraft in the  for a growing number of civilian users, air medical services and law enforcement agencies. This fine aircraft became even better in 2011, with the introduction of the AS350 B3e, which offers numerous improvements including 30 minute take-off power, longer time between engine overhauls and lower direct maintenance costs.

About American Eurocopter

American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.