Eurocopter has completed the first flight of a production EC225 and says the launch customer, UK-based Bristow Helicopters, will begin operating the aircraft later this year.
The Franco-German manufacturer says the military version of the aircraft, the EC725, will enter service with the French air force this year, while the EC225 destined for Bristow Helicopters will be the 600th Super Puma/Cougar to roll off the production lines.
Bristow operates a fleet of 38 Super Pumas and is buying two EC225s to bolster its operations. The acquisition is a natural development, says chief executive Keith Chanter.
"Acquiring two of these aircraft, with an option for another two, is an important step in renewing our fleet. It will keep us at the forefront of technology and offer the best possible product to our customers."
The EC225 features the Spheriflex main rotor head, already in place on the Super Puma L2 and the EC155. Eurocopter says this technology delivers reduced operating and maintenance costs. The tail rotor head is also made from Spheriflex technology.
The rotors and the horizontal stabilizer can be equipped with a de-icing/anti-icing system that makes it possible to fly even in extremely severe icing conditions.
The EC225 is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A turbines. The powerplant generates 2,413shp (1,800kW) in contingency mode, 14% more than the previous version.
Transport
Eurocopter says the aircraft is designed to meet passenger transport missions, in particular for offshore and VIP transport, but also for missions such as search and rescue (SAR).
The EC225 is equipped with a new avionics package known as the Advanced Helicopter Cockpit and Avionics System. It includes new flight, navigation and mission displays, a vehicle management system monitoring the aircraft parameters and the same digital four-axis autopilot already installed on EC155 with a comprehensive suite of upper and SAR modes.
Source: Flight Daily News
