Eurocopter is raising production of its EC135 light twin to 72 units after delivering 60 helicopters last year. The European manufacturer also delivered an additional four EC635 military versions in 2004.
The EC135 is the leader in the light twin market, well ahead of Bell's Model 427, nine of which were delivered last year. The US manufacturer has responded by revamping its planned 427i to produce the Model 429, orders for which stand at 110, with deliveries beginning in the first half of 2007. AgustaWestland, meanwhile, has introduced the Grand derivative of its A109 light twin, booking 27 orders last year.
Eurocopter says demand is being boosted by the emergency medical service market, which accounted for 40 of last year's EC135 deliveries. The company introduced several enhancements over the past year, including improved rotor brake, higher transient torque limit and expanded avionics options.
Inspections have been simplified or eliminated and work is under way to extend main and tail rotor gearbox time between overhauls.
Similar upgrades have been developed for the EC155 medium twin, including an increase in maximum take-off weight to 4,920kg (10,850lb) that was certificated last year. Other improvements include optional coning stops that allow the rotor to be started in winds up to 55kt (100km/h), and certification for operations down to -40¡C.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
