Eurocopter’s EC175 medium-sized twin-engine turbine helicopter has achieved two time-to-climb records, further validating its performance as the rotorcraft’s flight manual is submitted to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as part of the certification process.
These milestones have occurred as Eurocopter targets EASA certification in early 2014, which will be the final step in the program prior to deliveries to the first three customers the same year. In parallel, production ramp-up for the EC175 continues, with the 15th helicopter now on the final assembly line.
Eurocopter’s two records for the EC175, which have been ratified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), are: time-to-climb to 3,000m, achieved in 3 minutes 10 seconds; and time-to-climb to an altitude of 6,000m, performed in 6 minutes, 54 seconds.
Laurent Vautherin, head of the EC175 program, says, "This is a tribute to the teams who have developed the aircraft, as well as the results of our close consultation with the global user community."
Both current world records are for helicopters with take-off weight of 6,000kg to 10,000kg. The flights were made in February 2013 at Istres, France, in Eurocopter EC 175 registered F-WMXB and piloted by Alain Di-Bianca.
The EC175 offers a full range of missions, including airlift duties for oil and gas operators, search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP, and executive transport.
Its recommended cruise speed is 150kts., while the maximum cruise speed exceeds 165kts.
The EC175’s power performance includes hover out of ground effect (HOGE) at maximum 7.5-metric-ton take-off weight at 4,500ft. at ISA+20°C conditions; one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance, which ensures safety during hosting for search and rescue missions; and extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum take-off weight in ISA+20°C conditions.
The helicopter’s range enables 16 passengers in an oil-and-gas-configured EC175 to be transported up to distances of 140nm, with the range approaching 200nm when 12 passengers are carried.
The EC175’s new Helionix avionics, which extend in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance, and situational awareness, have been demonstrated on Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter. The Helionix avionics suite incorporates an innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.
Source: Eurocopter