Eurocopter, January 25, 2000 - Marignane, France - The EC 155 B has just passed another major milestone in its development program and is now ready for operations with the most exacting customers.
The EC 155 B has successfully completed all the flights and demonstrations required for single-pilot IFR certification by Airworthiness authorities.
This is clearly a key step for the EC 155 as it demonstrates not only the full range of the helicopter's flying qualities and reduced cockpit workload but also its operational effectiveness with one pilot at the controls.
And this single-pilot IFR certification being obtained just one year after the initial certification: yet further proof of the technical prowess of this helicopter, which has briskly moved through all its development phases.
Moreover this technical accomplishment goes hand in hand with a commercial success, as 31 of these helicopters have been sold over two years in the three main market sectors: parapublic duties (police, fire-fighting, EMS), scheduled passenger-carrying flights and VIP/corporate travel. Another indication, if need be, of the helicopter's advanced design that satisfies the most stringent criteria of this wide variety of missions.
The EC 155 B owes its excellent mission adaptability to the following characteristics:
- its speed: its VNE is now over 170 kts (320 km/h) at altitudes up to 4000 ft (1,220 m), giving the EC 155 B a more than 20 knots edge over its closest competitor.
- its low vibration level.
- its cabin comfort, accessibility and size.
- its advanced integrated digital piloting system (instrument panel, 4-axis autopilot). The basic configuration includes 7 electronic displays: 2 dedicated displays for flight control (electronic artificial horizon) , 2 displays for navigation and route data, and 3 central displays for the engine and system parameters and warning lights.
- And this is not all, as an 8th optional multi-function display can be added. Its extra-large 6 in. x 8 in. screen is dedicated to mission equipment displays (electronic mapping, FLIR, pilot check list, radar, etc.).
- This electronic display system is the outcome of a joint development program, (known as "Avionique Nouvelle") with Sextant Avionique. The displays are integrated in modular form on all the latest models in the Eurocopter range (EC120 B Colibri, Ecureuil B3, EC 145, etc.).
And for operators called on to fly in all kinds of weather, the EC 155 B is the only helicopter in its class to offer the advantage of an optional deicing system.
All these innovations and features have confirmed the front running position occupied by the EC 155 B - the only truly future-oriented helicopter in its 5 metric ton/14 seat class.
Eurocopter is a joint venture of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG and Aerospatiale Matra SA. The two parent companies and CASA of Spain are merging to form the European Aeronautic, Defense and Space Company (EADS) one of the three leading aerospace companies in the world.
The EC 155 B has successfully completed all the flights and demonstrations required for single-pilot IFR certification by Airworthiness authorities.
This is clearly a key step for the EC 155 as it demonstrates not only the full range of the helicopter's flying qualities and reduced cockpit workload but also its operational effectiveness with one pilot at the controls.
And this single-pilot IFR certification being obtained just one year after the initial certification: yet further proof of the technical prowess of this helicopter, which has briskly moved through all its development phases.
Moreover this technical accomplishment goes hand in hand with a commercial success, as 31 of these helicopters have been sold over two years in the three main market sectors: parapublic duties (police, fire-fighting, EMS), scheduled passenger-carrying flights and VIP/corporate travel. Another indication, if need be, of the helicopter's advanced design that satisfies the most stringent criteria of this wide variety of missions.
The EC 155 B owes its excellent mission adaptability to the following characteristics:
- its speed: its VNE is now over 170 kts (320 km/h) at altitudes up to 4000 ft (1,220 m), giving the EC 155 B a more than 20 knots edge over its closest competitor.
- its low vibration level.
- its cabin comfort, accessibility and size.
- its advanced integrated digital piloting system (instrument panel, 4-axis autopilot). The basic configuration includes 7 electronic displays: 2 dedicated displays for flight control (electronic artificial horizon) , 2 displays for navigation and route data, and 3 central displays for the engine and system parameters and warning lights.
- And this is not all, as an 8th optional multi-function display can be added. Its extra-large 6 in. x 8 in. screen is dedicated to mission equipment displays (electronic mapping, FLIR, pilot check list, radar, etc.).
- This electronic display system is the outcome of a joint development program, (known as "Avionique Nouvelle") with Sextant Avionique. The displays are integrated in modular form on all the latest models in the Eurocopter range (EC120 B Colibri, Ecureuil B3, EC 145, etc.).
And for operators called on to fly in all kinds of weather, the EC 155 B is the only helicopter in its class to offer the advantage of an optional deicing system.
All these innovations and features have confirmed the front running position occupied by the EC 155 B - the only truly future-oriented helicopter in its 5 metric ton/14 seat class.
Eurocopter is a joint venture of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG and Aerospatiale Matra SA. The two parent companies and CASA of Spain are merging to form the European Aeronautic, Defense and Space Company (EADS) one of the three leading aerospace companies in the world.
See also |
Eurocopter EC155B
