Second EC175 prototype flies

Second EC175 prototype flies

20-Dec-2010 Source: Eurocopter

Marignane, France, December 17
The second EC175 prototype helicopter performed its first flight today at Eurocopter’s Marignane, France facility, marking another on-time milestone in the development of this new-generation rotary-wing aircraft.

Airborne for 45’, the first flight validated basic handling qualities and system functionality for the twin-engine EC175, which is a joint program of Eurocopter and Aviation Industry Corporation of China. (AVIC). It followed the no. 1 EC175 prototype’s maiden flight, which occurred in December 2009 at Marignane.

The latest EC175 prototype is configured for oil and gas industry transportation operations, and includes noticeably emergency flotation gear, external life rafts, a full set of radio navigation equipment, HTAWS functionalities, HUMS, a cargo sling and hoist, along with a high-performance air conditioning system. Additionally, the helicopter is near to the final version that is scheduled for airworthiness authority certification in the second half of 2011, enabling EC175 deliveries to begin in 2012.

As the EC175’s flight test and development pace continues to gain momentum, the program’s industrial activity also is continuing on schedule. The production line for EC175 airframes is operational at Harbin, China, and the helicopter final assembly line at Marignane is ready to receive the initial two Chinese-produced airframes – both of which are configured for oil and gas transport missions. Delivery of the initial airframe from China to Eurocopter in France is expected before year-end, while the second will arrive first half 2011.

Integrated logistics support activity for the EC175 also has begun, and INDRA has been selected to develop the helicopter’s first full-flight simulator.

“The continued track record of on-time achievements for the EC175 are further proof of the strong technical foundation of this program, as well as the excellent working relationship between Eurocopter and AVIC – which builds on 30 years of cooperation,” said Eurocopter EC175 Program Director Francis Combes.

Launched in December 2005, the EC175’s cooperative development has been assisted by innovative new computing tools that offer major time savings. The development and industrialization work has been equally split between Eurocopter and AVIC according to the specialties of each company. Two different helicopters will result from the common platform: the EC175 – manufactured, sold and supported by Eurocopter in Marignane; and the Z15 –produced, marketed and supported by the AVIC Group.

To date, a total of 114 commitments for the EC175 have been placed by 14 customers.

The EC175 is a multi-role helicopter in the seven-metric-ton weight category, which fits into Eurocopter’s product range between the AS365 Dauphin (four to five metric tons) and the AS332/EC225 Super Puma (nine to 11 metric tons) aircraft families. It benefits from a mix of proven and advanced technologies, providing excellent performance and reliability.

In addition to its version for the oil and gas marketplace, the EC175 also is being developed for missions that include search and rescue and emergency medical transport, and also can meet the needs of the commercial aviation industry for VIP and corporate transport. Depending on the configuration, the EC175 can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

The EC175 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67E engines with dual-channel, new-generation Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC). Outfitted with completely new avionics, the EC175 has an effective and easy-to-use man-machine interface, which considerably reduces pilot workload.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 25 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

[HeliHub.com editor note:  The first EC175 is registered F-WWPB while this second one is F-WWOM]

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