Eurocopter claims EC175 is ‘exceeding operational targets’

Eurocopter appears to be trying to claw back market share from AgustaWestland's AW189 by releasing new figures about the performance of its seven-tonne EC175.

The manufacturer has been relatively quiet about the aircraft since an order for four examples by French operator Heli-Union in June 2011 and the first flight of the second prototype in December 2010.

New performance details released on 6 January reveal the aircraft has a baseline payload/radius-of-action capacity of 135 nautical miles with 16 passengers which, according to the company, represents a 30% increase in performance compared to initial performance baselines at the beginning of the type's development.

The company also says that on longer-range missions, the EC175 can transport 12 passengers out to 190 nautical miles.

Eurocopter also said it is working on an 18 passenger configuration for the aircraft. Maximum radius-of action for such a configuration would be around 100 nautical miles.

'Eurocopter has maintained a two-way dialog with operators and end-users throughout the EC175’s development programme, providing us with an ever better understanding of their operational needs from 2012 and beyond,' said CEO Lutz Bertling.

'As a result, we have incorporated certain adaptations that will further improve the helicopter’s operational capability, placing it ahead of the competition from its entry into service.'

AgustaWestland introduced its eight-tonne AW189 to the market at the Paris Air Show last June. Because the aircraft is a spin-off of the military AW149, a significant proportion of the aircraft's development has already been completed with the first flight of the 189 taking place in December. The aircraft has already attracted interest from the market with orders from Bristow, Bel Air and Westar Aviation Services.

Eurocopter is targeting first customer deliveries of the EC175 for late 2012. These early aircraft are expected to go to Bristow. A Bristow test pilot flew the aircraft in early 2011.

The company says testing is ongoing to validate the design, including cold and hot weather trials, bird strike tests, and gearbox operation for 30 minutes after loss of oil.

The two EC175 prototypes have logged more than 270 flight hours to date and industrial activity is continuing – with the first two serial aircraft being assembled at the Eurocopter’s Marignane facility.


Source: By Tony Osborne in London,Team, 06 January 2012- Shephard Group / Rotorhub News(www.shephardmedia.com)

Photo: The Eurocopter EC175 helicopter (Photo by shephardmedia)

(6.01.2012)