Airbus : Helicopters highlights its strategy of innovation and cooperation with Poland

The long-term partnership between Poland and Airbus Helicopters - built on the dual strengths of cooperation and the application of innovation - will be spotlighted during the company's participation at this week's Balt Military Expo and Natcon Conference in Gdańsk.

During Balt Military Expo 2014, the company will unveil a new cooperation with three Polish Universities: Lodz University of Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology and Kazimierz Pu?aski University of Technology and Humanities of Radom. At the Natcon Conference held during this exhibition, Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Helicopters' Executive Vice President Engineering, is to speak about "Future vertical lift solutions in defense and homeland security based on the X³ experience". "By strengthening our cooperation, Airbus Helicopters is ready to help develop the future of Poland's helicopter sector, while also benefitting from the country's intellectual and industrial resources," Dumont explained.

He added that the Lodz University of Technology's contribution to Airbus Helicopters' X³ program was a factor in this hybrid demonstrator's successful flight test campaign, which culminated in surpassing previous high-speed flights by a helicopter. "Our collaboration demonstrated that Lodz University of Technology is an excellent and reliable partner, capable of following a rigorous and ambitious schedule," Dumont stated. "Together, we opened the horizons of flight with the X³!"

Airbus Helicopters' exhibit stand at Balt Military Expo (booth #A42) will feature scale models of the EC725 Caracal, which is being proposed in Poland's acquisition of 70 heavy multi-role military helicopters; and the X³ hybrid aircraft, to which Poland's Lodz University of Technology contributed its expertise in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company's fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters' international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters' range of civil and military helicopters is the world's largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company's chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.