The newest member of Airbus Helicopters’ EC145 rotorcraft family–the EC145 T2–has been certified, clearing the way for deliveries beginning in the third quarter of this year, company officials said.
Issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the certification covers the full range of capabilities, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules (IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision goggle capability.
Approximately 20 EC145 T2 currently are in series production, providing a basis for the initial deliveries and ramp-up in production rate.
To date, Airbus Helicopters has received orders and options for more than 100 EC145 T2s, along with 15 of the military EC645 T2 variant for the German Army.
“The EC145 T2 is setting new standards in its class,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury in an April 17 statement. “This new model features a design to meet and exceed the latest challenging requirements of our customers for mission capability. Our operators will benefit from an unrivaled operational advantage thanks to the perfect combination of airframe, equipment and performance This comes along with the highest level of flight safety by our new Helionix® avionics suite.”
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Photo: Airbus Helicopters
Enhancements incorporated in the T2 version of the 4-metric-ton category EC145 include new Arriel 2E engines and the company’s signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, along with upgraded main and new tail rotor gear boxes. It also has an advanced cockpit that uses Airbus Helicopter’s innovative Helionix digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot.
The new dual FADEC engines–combined with an upgraded main gear box–guarantee an unprecedented level of one-engine inoperative (OEI) performance, along with performance in hover, which are of utmost importance in emergency medical services (EMS) operations and for flight safety in general, the statement said.
By applying Fenestron technology to the EC145 T2, Airbus Helicopters brings the tail rotor’s benefits in terms of improved flight and ground safety, enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels. For its use on the EC145 T2, the Fenestron has a new-design tail gearbox with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. This is installed in a new, damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.
The EC145 T2’s designed-in modularity and its large unobstructed cabin with flat floor contribute to the helicopter’s flexibility. The full range of optional equipment is being offered initially for utility, corporate and emergency medical services missions, to be followed soon by configurations for offshore and police duties.
The Helionix avionics provide in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness for unprecedented flight safety levels, officials said. Meeting the latest international avionics standards, the Helionix avionics suite incorporates the most innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.
More information is available on the website: www.airbushelicopters.com/EC145T2.