Eurocopter is claiming a pair of time-to-climb records for its developmental EC175 super-medium helicopter as it pursues certification for the type in early 2014.
The first milestone saw it climb to an altitude of 6,000m (19,700ft) in 6min 54s and the second involved an ascent to 3,000m in 3min 10s. Both records have been ratified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, says the Marignane-based manufacturer.
It has now submitted the helicopter's flight manual to EASA as part of the certification process, it says. First deliveries to the three launch customers - Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen, Héli-Union and UTair - are scheduled for next year.
Eurocopter says production ramp-up of the 7.5t type is progressing with the 15th helicopter now on the final assembly line.
The EC175 was due to have entered service this year, but multiple schedule slippages, the most recent related to certification of its Helionix avoinics suite, have delayed certification until early 2014.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
