Airbus : Helicopters’ new EC145 version for utility duties receives EASA certification

A new version of the twin-engine EC145 rotorcraft has received its type certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency. The EC145 (formerly known as EC145e) has been developed by Airbus Helicopters to offer a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for utility users.

Integrating a standardized interior and an equipment list tailored specifically for utility missions, the EC145s payload is increased by 146 kg from the previous EC145 utility variant.

"By offering a multi-role helicopter configured with a basic cabin layout and mission-tailored systems, the EC145 meets the needs of utility and commercial operators, while being highly competitive in price and available with reduced delivery times," said Manfred Merk, who is Head of the H145 program at Airbus Helicopters.

With EASA certification the EC145 is approved for single-pilot day/night operation in VFR (visual flight rules) conditions. Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is expected mid-2015.

The weight of the EC145 has been reduced through removal of such items as the automatic flight control system and the replacement of conventional cockpit instruments by Garmin's G500H avionics suite with dual electronic flight displays. The EC145 is well adapted for a full range of utility duties, from passenger transport and aerial fire fighting to airlift missions with both internal and external loads. Following its first flight in August 2013, the no. 1 EC145 confirmed its capabilities - including during firefighting demonstrations in Spain.

The EC145 for utility missions enlarges the Airbus Helicopters' H145 family, from which more than 700 rotorcraft are in service. It is the perfect complement to the next generation helicopter H145, which Airbus Helicopters debuted on the market in summer 2014. With some 120 customers in 44 countries and 1 million flight hours accumulated, the /H145 offers flexibility and versatility in worldwide operations.

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group. The company provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions to its customers who serve, protect, save lives and safely carry passengers in highly demanding environments. Flying more than 3 million flight hours per year, the company's in-service fleet includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in 152 countries. Airbus Helicopters employs more than 23,000 people worldwide and in 2014 generated revenues of 6.5 billion Euros. In line with the company's new identity, fully integrated into Airbus Group, Airbus Helicopters has renamed its product range replacing the former "EC" designation with an "H".