JUSTIN WASTNAGE / LONDON

Certification of EC225 civil version now due in late 2003, with qualification of military variant set for early 2004

Certification of the new Eurocopter EC225/725 derivative of the Super Puma/Cougar family of medium twin-engined helicopters has again slipped as a result of problems integrating a new main gearbox. The company, in the meantime, has flown the first military version powered by the uprated 1,565kW (2,100shp) Turbomeca Malika 2A turboshaft engine.

The five-blade EC225/725 uses a new reinforced main gearbox to handle the additional power and increase in maximum weight. It has proved more difficult to integrate into the Cougar airframe than expected. "Its weak point is the bevel gear level," says programme director Bernard Fujarski.

The EC725 military variant fitted with the production version of the new engine made its maiden flight earlier this month, at the company's Marignane base. It lasted around 90min and was devoted to checking the full authority digital engine control of the Makila 2A (formerly the 1A4). The engine replaces the 1,375kW Malika 1A2 turboshaft, which powered the first EC725 test flight in November 2000.

The three prototypes have clocked up 200h of flight testing. Certification was originally scheduled for late 2002, but earlier this year it was pushed to mid-2003 after difficulties with the five-bladed rotor's main gearbox. The latest target for certification is late 2003 for the EC225 civil version, with military qualification of the EC725 combat search and rescue version scheduled for early 2004.

Offshore operator Canadian helicopters (CHC) is launch customer for the EC225 and has a "flexible contract" over first delivery, says Fujarski. Eurocopter expects shortly to sign up a second EC225 customer, a VIP charter operator. The French air force has ordered 14 EC725s, including one retrofit of a Cougar Mk2 once the Malika 2A is certificated.

The new engine features an increased diameter fan, redesigned low-pressure turbine and new single-crystal alloy high-pressure turbine for higher operating temperatures. The EC225/725 has a higher maximum take-off weight of 11,000kg (24,265lb) and an increased 160kt (296km/h) airspeed compared to the Super Puma/Cougar Mk2's 138kt, while range has been extended by 270km to 1,450km (780nm).

Source: Flight International