Paul Derby
EH Industries (EHI) plans to take the EH101 medium lift helicopter on a second tour of the United States as it bids to win a share of the lucrative market across the Atlantic.
In an arena dominated by 'home-grown' aircraft, the Anglo-Italian manufacturer has already demonstrated the EH101 to the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and is keen to contest the US Coast Guard¹s need for a long-range search and rescue machine. The Bell/Agusta BA609 civil tiltrotor would be a key competitor.
Demonstration
EHI took a military utility rear-ramp version of the EH101 as the 'US Tour 2000' demonstration aircraft. It chalked up 80 flying hours, covering 9,600nm during 49 sorties.
The GKN Westland/Agusta partnership - the companies are in the throes of a merger - says the lack of a definite plans by the US Department of Defense to develop a new helicopter in the EH101 class gives the aircraft potential for orders in the States.
EHI plans to push the aircraft's multi-mission capabilities, which include airborne mine countermeasures, combat rescue and executive transport.
Meanwhile, the aircraft continues to tackle a series of proving missions in extreme climactic conditions.
Relocated
Following 'icing and cold' trials staged in Canada, an EH101 has now relocated to the USA for hot weather and high altitude trials.
Scheduled to run until late August, the missions are designed to prove aircraft systems and performance at altitudes up to 10,000ft and temperatures up to 50°C. They will cover 100 flight hours, with information gathered being applicable to other EH101 variants, including Merlin HM Mk1 and Merlin HC Mk3.
Source: Flight Daily News
