American Eurocopter announced today that the customer event for the EC145 T2 at its Grand Prairie, TX facility was a huge success. Customers were able to get a close-up look at this new helicopter, learn more about the features and benefits of this model from the Eurocopter Program Manager, and witness it in action during a flight demonstration.

The EC145 T2 was introduced to the industry at a launch event on Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo 2011 booth. It is the evolution of the EC145, and since the first delivery in 2002, this helicopter platform has made a name for itself around the world.

In 2006, the EC145 was selected by the U.S. Army as the aircraft for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program and designated the UH-72A. The U.S. Army has ordered 237 UH-72A’s to date out of a total program, which is expected to reach at least 345 helicopters through 2015.  EADS North America manages the LUH program, and the UH-72A is manufactured at American Eurocopter’s state-of-the-art facilities in Columbus, MS. Of the aircraft ordered, 190 have already been delivered, all on time and on budget.

The EC145 has also become the growing choice for the air medical transport industry. In the United States alone, there are more than 60 EC145’s in service throughout the nation. During the Air Medical Transport Conference in St. Louis, MO last week, American Eurocopter announced the sale of 10 more EC145s to air medical operators across the country.

The EC145 T2 capitalizes on the advantages of the EC145 and brings to market more power, higher cruise speeds, advanced avionics and an enhanced Fenestron shrouded tail rotor that was specifically designed for this aircraft.

The helicopter just completed hot and high testing, and the results are very promising. Conservative estimates predict that the EC145 T2, with two Arriel 2E engines, will deliver 21% higher take-off power, a 39% improvement for one engine inoperative max continuous power, a 40% increase in hover in ground effect altitude at max take-off weight, and a 228% increase in hover out of ground effect altitude at max take-off weight.

The EC145 T2’s cockpit will include a next-generation dual-channel FADEC and will feature a new Helionix state-of-the-art avionic suite. The aircraft will also incorporate an advanced 4-axis digital autopilot as standard equipment. The helicopter will retain the EC145’s cabin, providing best-in-class volume, and rear clamshell doors to help ensure compatibility with existing EC145 optional equipment.

The design advancements of the EC145 T2 also deliver reduced direct maintenance costs. The aircraft includes an Engine Data Recorder to help monitor engine use and performance, an 800-hour interval for airframe inspection airframe, and an initial time between overhaul of 4,000 hours that will increase to 6,000 hours at engine maturity.

Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration is targeted for 2013.