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Contributing to helicopter flight safety: Helisim and Eurocopter log the 100,000th hour of simulator training for international customers

Marignane, France, June 13, 2013 Helisim today celebrated the 100,000th hour milestone for flight simulator sessions with international customers, marking a key milestone in its training of pilots on Eurocopter helicopters that directly contributes to the safety of operators worldwide.

Helisim today celebrated the 100,000th hour milestone for flight simulator sessions with international customers, marking a key milestone in its training of pilots on Eurocopter helicopters that directly contributes to the safety of operators worldwide.

The value of Helisim’s services is the highly realistic flight experience provided in its ground-based simulators, enabling pilots to encounter even the most extreme operating conditions across a full range of civil, parapublic, governmental and military missions.

Helisim operates two full-flight simulators with motion systems that accommodate roll-on/roll-off Level D cockpits for the following rotorcraft: the EC225, EC155, AS332 L1 and AS332 Super Puma/Cougar, along with the AS365 N2 Dauphin/Panther. It also has a full-flight simulator for the NH-90 TTH tactical transport helicopter, along with one multi-cockpit Level 3 flight training device.
 

(© Eurocopter)

“Our training places pilots in real-life scenarios that cover everything from routine flight to the most demanding situations – all within the safe environment of our ground-based simulators,” said Helisim Chief Executive Officer Patrick Bourreau. “The commitment of our team is fully aligned with the goals of Eurocopter to ensure the safe operations of its customers – whatever type of missions they perform.”

Helisim training includes courses for helicopter type ratings, instrument ratings, maintenance flight checks, glass cockpit familiarization, line-oriented flight training, multi-crew coordination and cockpit resource management, along with the qualification of simulator training operators.

Mission-oriented training offered by Helisim covers offshore procedures, flight with night vision goggles, tactical flight, government and VIP operations, as well as combat SAR (search and rescue). Recurrent courses include all possible emergency procedures, within flight profiles covering instrument flight rules (IFR) and mountainous terrain flying to operations at helipads, in confined areas and to offshore platforms.

Situated nearby Eurocopter’s headquarters and production facility location in Marignane, France, Helisim trains an average of 3,000 pilots annually – performing approximately 14,000 hours of simulation per year. Helisim is co-owned by Eurocopter and Thales, with 45 percent shareholdings each, and Défense Conseil International, which holds the remaining 10 percent.

About Helisim (Website: www.helisim.fr)
Founded in 2000, Helisim is dedicated to increasing flight safety through simulator-based training provided by a unique faculty of 15 highly-experienced instructors. Pioneering the Level “D” simulators, Helisim operates the high-end of rotary-wing simulation in which all possible emergency situations can be replicated. This unique feature allows pilots to safely master the entire flight envelope of their helicopters. Customers include trainees from the civilian, oil and gas, military and public services sectors. To date, Helisim has trained more than 22,500 pilots from 120 countries.
 

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Eurocopter's X3 hybrid helicopter makes aviation history in achieving a speed milestone of 255 knots during level flight

Marignane, France, June 11, 2013 The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter.

The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter.

Eurocopter achieved the historic 255-knot speed milestone with the X3 flying at an altitude of around 10,000 feet during a 40 minute test flight over southern France near Istres. It marks the latest in a growing list of achievements for the X3, which is Eurocopter’s technology demonstrator for an advanced, cost-effective vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) transportation system that offers the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full-flight capabilities of a helicopter.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds.” said Eurocopter test pilot Hervé Jammayrac. “While flying at both 255 knots and 263 knots, the X3 performed exactly as it has throughout its flight envelope, exhibiting outstanding stability and providing a low vibration level without any anti-vibration system.”

Copyright Alain Ernoult

The X3 configuration utilizes a pair of RTM 322 turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This state-of-the-art design & architecture engine family combines power and growth potential. The RTM 322 variant, powering the X3, is based on the RTM 322 powering the NH90. It incorporates a FADEC adapted to the requirements of this high-speed demonstrator.

This concept is well suited for missions requiring long transit flights at high speeds, while retaining full vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at a very affordable cost. Eurocopter envisions a wide range of potential applications for its hybrid configuration, including in long-distance search and rescue (SAR) operations, coast guard missions, border patrol flights, passenger transport and off-shore airlift, along with inter-city shuttle services. The combination of higher cruise speeds and excellent VTOL performance is also well-suited for military missions such as special forces operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation.

“Based on the X3 technologies, Eurocopter will continue setting the standard on future helicopters – offering our customers new levels of performance in terms of speed, range and mission capabilities at competitive costs," said CEO of Eurocopter, Guillaume Faury. "The outstanding X3 achievements result from the commitment and excellence of our teams. I want to recognize everyone involved in the demonstrator’s development.”

The X3 was developed in a rapid paced Eurocopter program that utilized one of the company’s Dauphin helicopters as the airframe. For the latest high-speed milestone, the demonstrator was equipped with a drag-reducing rotor head fairing, which directly benefitted from company testing of a high-speed Dauphin DGV testbed during the 1990s, along with the addition of landing gear fairings. The Dauphin DGV enabled Eurocopter’s predecessor company Aerospatiale to set another helicopter speed milestone – reaching a record velocity of 200 knots in 1991.

Eurocopter flight test engineer Dominique Fournier – who was aboard the X3 with test pilot Jammayrac for the latest history-making flights – said the current high-speed evaluations are providing real data, in addition to the more symbolic aspect of achieving rotorcraft speed milestones.

“These flights allow us to further explore the behavior of main rotors at high speeds, and enable us to make effectiveness assessments of the fairing we’ve added to the main rotor hub – which will be beneficial for drag optimization across Eurocopter's overall product range,” Fournier explained.

With these latest flight milestones, the X3 demonstrator has accumulated a combined total of more than 140 hours aloft since making its maiden takeoff in September 2010. After easily surpassing Eurocopter’s initial target of 220 knots for the X3, its speed was steadily increased while confirming the hybrid configuration’s excellent flight qualities, maneuverability, outstanding acceleration and deceleration. In reaching the latest 255- and 263-knot speed achievements, Eurocopter has further confirmed the concept’s potential.

The hybrid concept’s maturity also was validated in a 2012 U.S. demonstration tour for civil operators, military services and law enforcement agencies, with over 55 hours logged and 47 guest pilots taking the controls during appearances in four states from Texas to Virginia.

After the U.S. visit – which more than doubled the X3’s total flight time – Eurocopter performed an in-depth maintenance inspection that confirmed the mission-ready condition of the hybrid aircraft’s dynamic components and systems.

Eurocopter’s pictures are available on the company’s special press website: X3 Speed Record Gallery

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Eurocopter UK receives contract to support the 24 Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 helicopters it is upgrading for the UK Ministry of Defence

Oxford, England, June 06, 2013 Eurocopter UK’s role in maintaining the United Kingdom’s military helicopter capabilities has been further expanded with the award of a three-year support contract for the fleet of 24 Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 helicopters being upgraded by the company to extend their life, enhance performance, mission capability and operational safety.

Eurocopter UK’s role in maintaining the United Kingdom’s military helicopter capabilities has been further expanded with the award of a three-year support contract for the fleet of 24 Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 helicopters being upgraded by the company to extend their life, enhance performance, mission capability and operational safety.

The contract – valued at approximately 60 million euros – further reinforces Eurocopter UK’s footprint as on-shore service provider to the UK armed forces. Eurocopter UK’s support activity for the Puma Mk2 will be coordinated through its headquarters at Oxford, England, which is close to the RAF’s Puma main operating base.

"As a major onshore supplier to the UK government and its agencies, we are proud to further expand our services in the military environment with this latest contract,” explained Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. “We intend to leverage our significant support expertise from Britain’s civil helicopter hub at Oxford, which is proven to be highly reactive and cost effective, and introduce this into the Puma fleet – setting new standards in military helicopter support.”
 

(© Eurocopter UK – Elaine Riding)

Group Captain Malcolm French, the Puma Project Team Leader said “We are looking forward to working closely with Eurocopter UK during this new era in the operational life of the RAF’s Puma Force. In particular, we have high expectations for the support capabilities delivered by and through Eurocopter UK’s team at Kidlington, as we move to field this significant component of the UK’s battlefield support helicopter capability during 2013.”

The 24 Puma Mk2 rotorcraft covered by this support contract are being upgraded under the Puma Life Extension Programme contract awarded to Eurocopter UK in 2009 by the UK Ministry of Defence. All 24 helicopters have been inducted into the programme, with the first aircraft deliveries from Eurocopter UK made in 2012. To date, eight have completed the process. The upgrades will significantly enhance the Puma’s operational capabilities for the Royal Air Force in combat, troop transport, load movement and humanitarian operations, and extend these helicopters’ operational lifetime to at least 2025.

Improvements for the Puma Mk2 include the use of new Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines that considerably increase performance; the integration of a full glass cockpit incorporating modern avionics and a flight management system; the implementation of a digital automatic flight control system; as well as the incorporation of a secure communications suite, defensive aids and ballistic protection for crew and passengers.

Additionally, greater onboard fuel capacity and lower fuel consumption improve the Puma Mk2’s operating range. These upgraded aircraft are able to carry twice the payload over three times the range compared to its predecessor in the most demanding operational and environmental conditions.

About Eurocopter UK Ltd.
Eurocopter UK Ltd, Britain’s civil helicopter hub, and its predecessors have been present and highly active in the United Kingdom for over 30 years, dominating the civil rotary wing(rw) sector. Its contribution to the aerospace sector of the national economy includes the development of police aviation leading to a 75% market share, air ambulances (70% share), and well over 50% of the offshore oil and gas market. Eurocopter UK Ltd is headquartered in Oxford, with additional bases in Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Hawarden (Wales) and Aberdeen (Scotland) and provides the full range of products and services for the rw sector, including prime contractor of the RAF Puma Mk2 programme. Some 450 Eurocopter helicopters form the biggest part of the UK's helicopter fleet and the backbone of vital national infrastructure such as 100 helicopters serving the UK Ministry of Defence for transport, training and high end operational missions. Eurocopter enjoys a reputation for innovation, high quality and a strong customer service ethos. To date, Eurocopter UK Ltd has exported helicopter High-Tech solutions to 23 nations on all continents. The Eurocopter group employs more than 1600 people across the British Isles.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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The National Police Agency of Japan acquires four new helicopters from Eurocopter to be deployed to various prefectures

Tokyo, May 27, 2013 Eurocopter Japan recently signed contracts with Japan’s National Police Agency for a total of four helicopters. Comprising two medium-class and two twin-engine light helicopters, the new acquisitions will be deployed to Hyogo Prefectural Police (EC155 B1), Hiroshima Prefectural Police (AS365 N3+), Osaka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e) and Fukuoka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e), as replacements for ageing aircraft in the respective fleets.

Eurocopter Japan recently signed contracts with Japan’s National Police Agency for a total of four helicopters. Comprising two medium-class and two twin-engine light helicopters, the new acquisitions will be deployed to Hyogo Prefectural Police (EC155 B1), Hiroshima Prefectural Police (AS365 N3+), Osaka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e) and Fukuoka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e), as replacements for ageing aircraft in the respective fleets.

The brand new EC155 B1 from Eurocopter’s Dauphin family will be the National Police Agency’s (NPA) first acquisition of this helicopter type. Incidentally, it is also the first Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft to be operated by Hyogo Prefectural Police, with delivery planned for 2015. Hiroshima Prefectural Police’s AS365 N3+ will also be delivered in 2015; while Osaka and Fukuoka will receive their EC135 P2e in 2014.

The ability to meet varying customer needs with a wide range of products, coupled with the availability of a total-support system in the country, have enabled Eurocopter Japan to increase its market share in the law enforcement sector over the years. NPA is currently operating a fleet of 29 Eurocopter light-twin and medium-class helicopters across the country, used for police activities including crime-prevention, investigative search and security patrols, as well as other public service missions such as life-saving operations and transportation.
 

(© Eurocopter Japan, Chikako Hirano)

“We are very honored to have signed the contract with NPA, which shows the trust they have in our products and appreciation of our total-support service commitment,” said Stephane Ginoux, President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “We can never emphasize enough on our will to offer the best and most comprehensive support and services for our customers not only in the area of maintenance, but also training, which is a crucial element in ensuring flight safety.”

Both the EC155 B1 and AS365 N3+ come from Eurocopter’s Dauphin family, with the EC155 B1 being the high-end, enhanced version equipped with the latest technologies. Versatile for multi-mission use and well-known for its low vibration and quietness thanks to Eurocopter’s famous Fenestron® tail rotor, the EC155 B1 has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to 15 persons (2 pilots + 13 passengers) comfortably. Dauphins are particularly well-received in police, fire-fighting, disaster management and news gathering activities. There are currently 57 Dauphin helicopters operating in Japan.

The EC135 is a light twin-engine helicopter equipped with state-of-art technology, including Eurocopter’s Fenestron® tail rotor. Not only does it have a low noise level compared with helicopters in the same class, it is also able to perform many different types of missions with good fuel efficiency. Used widely for law enforcement and emergency medical services worldwide, it is also a popular machine in Japan, with 75 EC135s currently being operated in various types of missions.

About Eurocopter Japan (Website: www.eurocopter.co.jp)
Established in 2009, Eurocopter Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Eurocopter, a division of EADS. It is the first foreign affiliated aircraft manufacturer to carry out direct sales, training, and customer support activities in the Japanese aeronautical sector. There are about 280 employees allocated at four bases, including Tokyo and Kobe. With more than 50 years of in-country presence, Eurocopter Japan confirms its leadership position with a 54 percent market share overall in Japan (for the turbine helicopter market, not including defense). Eurocopter Japan makes Japan’s sky safer, more reliable and cost-efficient by providing high quality products and services.

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Eurocopter to supply EC225 and AS350 B3e helicopters in an expansion of its relationship with China’s State Grid General Aviation Company

Beijing, China, May 22, 2013 China’s largest helicopter operator in the power and electricity sectors, the State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC), has ordered one EC225 and two AS350 B3e rotorcraft to support the country’s electrical grid development and build the Chinese company’s business into other airlift duties.

China’s largest helicopter operator in the power and electricity sectors, the State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC), has ordered one EC225 and two AS350 B3e rotorcraft to support the country’s electrical grid development and build the Chinese company’s business into other airlift duties.

As the wholly-owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, one of the world’s largest electricity providers, SGGAC is now expanding its helicopter business scope into aerial survey, emergency rescue, passenger and freight transportation, infrastructure construction and scientific experimentation.

“The new acquisitions will undoubtedly augment SGGAC’s capabilities in servicing State Grid Corporation’s coverage of the country’s electrical and power lines,” said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific. “Eurocopter is ready to continue our partnership in assisting SGGAC’s implementation of its ambitious expansion strategy throughout China.”
 

(© Eurocopter China)

The latest agreement expands a multi-year relationship during which Eurocopter has become one of SGGAC’s most important aircraft and services provider. Eurocopter provided an AS350 B3 that assisted in completing the Qinghai-Tibet AC-DC Interconnection Project plateau line, with the rotorcraft setting a 5,350-meter altitude record for helicopter-based power line support operations.

SGGAC also has been operating two AS350 B3e units since last year for power line activities. The additional order of this helicopter type underlines SGGAC’s trust in the aircraft’s exceptional high-altitude performance, which is an important criterion for power line activities in China’s landscape.

Eurocopter will deliver the newly-ordered AS350 B3e helicopters to SGGAC late this year for deployment in power line survey missions and in transportation duties. The rotorcraft are to incorporate an air conditioning system and will be outfitted with an electrical hoist capable of carrying 200-kg. loads.

The EC225 is to be received by SGGAC in 2015 for multi-role missions, including utility and emergency rescue.

“With SGGAC growing its helicopter fleet and capabilities, we look forward to expanding on the mutual trust and our win-win partnership with Eurocopter – thereby preparing the future of China’s general aviation together,” stated SGGAC General Manager Zou Ben Guo.

Eurocopter holds an important share of the evolving Chinese helicopter market segment, backed by the company’s established in-country support and marketing resources.

For the future use of helicopters in developing China’s electrical and power grid, Eurocopter can apply its teaming arrangement with France’s Réseau de Transport d’Electricité national electricity network to offer and implement new helicopter power line maintenance procedures and techniques.

The AS350 B3e helicopters ordered by SGGAC are the enhanced versions in Eurocopter’s high-performance Ecureuil light helicopter family. The Ecureuil is the most recognized lightweight helicopter product line in China, with about 36 units in operation today.

Eurocopter’s EC225 integrates the company’s latest technological innovations in a highly capable 11-ton-category helicopter. The EC225 and Super Puma family number around 30 aircraft in China today, used widely in search and rescue missions and offshore operations. An EC225 full-flight simulator also has been set up by Eurocopter for the provision of simulation training, which is housed in the Airbus facility in Beijing.

About Eurocopter China Website: www.eurocopter-china.com
Created in December 2006, Eurocopter China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Eurocopter China covers a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, more than 180 Eurocopter helicopters have been sold in the country. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Eurocopter China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 80 employees.

A propos d’Eurocopter Website: www.eurocopter.com
Créé en 1992, le groupe franco-germano-espagnol Eurocopter est une division d’EADS, leader mondiale dans les domaines de l’aéronautique, de l’espace, de la défense et des services associés. Le groupe Eurocopter emploie environ 22 000 personnes. En 2012, Eurocopter confirme sa position d’hélicoptériste numéro 1 mondial, avec un chiffre d’affaires de 6,3 milliards d’euros, 469 hélicoptères neufs commandés et 44 % du marché civil et parapublic. Les produits du Groupe représentent 33 % de l’ensemble de la flotte mondiale d’hélicoptères civils et militaires. Eurocopter est fortement présent à l’international grâce à ses filiales et participations implantées dans 21 pays. Le réseau Eurocopter de centres de maintenance, de centres de formation, de distributeurs et d’agents agréés servent quelque 2 900 clients à travers le monde. 11 780 hélicoptères Eurocopter sont actuellement en service dans 148 pays. Eurocopter, dont la priorité est d’assurer le plus haut niveau de sécurité, offre la gamme d’hélicoptères civils et militaires la plus large du monde.

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Eurocopter brings Elegance and Luxury to new Heights with the VIP and Executive versions of its EC175

Geneva, Switzerland, May 21, 2013 Eurocopter today set new standards in business and private aviation by unveiling the next-generation EC175 helicopter in its Executive and VIP versions, which combine unparalleled elements of style and comfort with the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter.

Eurocopter today set new standards in business and private aviation by unveiling the next-generation EC175 helicopter in its Executive and VIP versions, which combine unparalleled elements of style and comfort with the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter.

The EC175 Executive and VIP versions – which were introduced by Eurocopter at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland – integrate a superior level of interior cabin creativity from Peder Eidsgaard of Pegasus Design, whose worldwide reputation results from his work on business jets and super yachts. These aircraft will be Eurocopter’s top-of-the-range products in their segments.

“As of today, airborne luxury and style have a new name: the Eurocopter EC175,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “Through our teaming with Pegasus Design, the highest attention for detail and design harmony unites to create an environment that will please the most discerning travelers.”
 

(© Eurocopter, Lorette Fabre)

By working with Pegasus Design in creating the EC175 VIP and Executive versions, Eurocopter brings a unique combination of flowing lines, symmetry and harmony in materials and colors to the helicopter interiors. “The refinement and quality level incorporated by Pegasus Design results from the company’s understanding of high-end customers’ expectations, and makes these helicopters a perfect extension of the finesse and sophistication typically found aboard business jets and super yachts,” Lambert added.

The EC175 VIP is offered in three different styles, all accommodating from six to eight passengers. The first style is “avant-garde,” inspired by modern sport cars; another brings the French flair – contemporary and highly sophisticated – inspired by modern penthouse interiors; while the third is more classical, inspired by the grand villas of Europe.

Features of the EC175 VIP include a unique cabin layout with two seating areas. The forward zone – which incorporates a domed roof that enhances the feeling of spaciousness overhead – provides a lounge atmosphere with facing club seating position for four passengers, while an aft sofa-style seat comfortably accommodates three passengers. Options include electrochromatic windows, an in-flight entertainment system with audio and video interfaces, and wireless connectivity via satellite communications links.

The EC175 Executive version, which was represented with the full-scale mock-up unveiled at EBACE this week, seats nine to twelve passengers in an atmosphere that is conducive to both work and relaxation. It embodies a modern and stylish design, automotive inspired and engineered with durable materials.

Eurocopter’s EC175 is the company’s new medium class twin-engine helicopter, offering excellent range, performance and cruise speeds, while also meeting the most demanding operational safety standards. It was developed through extensive consultation with operators and end-users, resulting in an optimized rotary-wing aircraft with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

In all versions, the EC175 Executive and VIP provide a jet-like smooth ride at all speeds and a climate-controlled cabin – even when the main rotor is stopped. Featuring more window area than walls, the rotorcraft ensures panoramic views for all passengers, and it completes the upper end of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line for the business and private aviation sectors.

Having logged the sale of more than 500 helicopters in these two segments during the past five years, Eurocopter is the unrivalled market leader. With the most extensive range of helicopters dedicated to such applications, Eurocopter offers 12 different models to meet the requirements of the most demanding private and corporate travelers.

Come and visit us at stand nº 7050/ Hall 7
and obtain Eurocopter’s pictures at the 2013 EBACE on the company’s special press website: http://press.eurocopter.com/en/gallery/ec175-ebace
 

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter opens its Systemhaus helicopter development center at the company’s Donauwörth, Germany site

Donauwörth, Germany, May 14, 2013 Eurocopter today officially opened its new Systemhaus helicopter development center at Donauwörth, Germany today in the presence of Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer.

Eurocopter today officially opened its new Systemhaus helicopter development center at Donauwörth, Germany today in the presence of Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer.

The facility, which provides workspace for some 900 employees, offers complete system capa-bility for the global helicopter market leader’s production activity at its German location – a key aspect of the company’s worldwide innovation strategy.

This new development center allows Eurocopter to manage the entire life-cycle of its helicopters at one German location, covering all aspects from research, development and prototype con-struction through manufacturing and final assembly – along with training, maintenance and product improvement. Approximately 900 employees are moving from an existing operation in Ottobrunn near Munich, bringing the Donauwörth location’s total workforce to a staff of some 6,500.
 

© Eurocopter Charles Abarr

“Today’s Systemhaus inauguration is a decisive step forward in Eurocopter’s industrial strategy,” explained Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury. “By gaining the full system capability to develop, manufacture and maintain helicopters in Donauwörth, we generate remarkable advantages in terms of product and technology cycles. It’s a long-term investment with far-reaching impact that ultimately serves both our customers and enhances our competitiveness.”

“Concentrating development, manufacturing and maintenance in Donauwörth not only reinforces Eurocopter’s own expertise and boosts the company’s performance, it also strengthens the en-tire Bavarian aerospace industry,” said Prime Minister Seehofer during his visit to the site. “In the race to the future, the key thing is to always be faster, better and more innovative, and Eu-rocopter is showing us how it’s done. The new Systemhaus is a pure expression of high-tech in-novation, and it is a prime example of what Bavaria has to offer as a location for the aerospace sector.”

EADS CEO Tom Enders said the Systemhaus is part of a series of major investments that EADS has pursued in Germany – and particularly in Bavaria. “Premium AEROTEC has officially opened a new engineering center in Augsburg; Astrium is building a new engine production facil-ity in Ottobrunn; and a planned research campus also is taking shape in Ottobrunn,” he said. “This is all good news for the region and for EADS: We are building on Germany’s long tradition of aerospace strength and laying the groundwork for a consolidation of the Group’s leading posi-tion in the market.”

Along with office space at Donauwörth, the new Systemhaus building incorporates state-of-the-art testing and research facilities, which include simulators, avionics trainers, laboratories, test centers and a prototype shop. This new center for innovation also is home to the System Sup-port Centre (SUZ) for the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) helicopter fleet, including the NH90 and CH-53 transport helicopters, and the Tiger attack helicopter

Bringing design and production physically closer together makes it possible to achieve much better networking between individual specialist areas at the Systemhaus. Interpersonal ex-changes and increased reactivity are encouraged by galleries, central meeting rooms and short-er access ways that lead through an atria. Facilitating the working environment is a paramount consideration for Eurocopter’s new X9 helicopter development program, which will be conducted primarily in Donauwörth.

Since the start of the Systemhaus’ construction in July 2011, Eurocopter has invested some 100 million euros in the development center project. With a total floor space of 30,000 square me-ters, the building was the region’s biggest construction project.

In view of the growing workforce at Eurocopter’s site in Donauwörth, it was decided to include a new staff restaurant in the expansion measures. Additionally, a day care center with capacity for approximately 50 children will be set up in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Meanwhile, the on-site combined heat and power plant that Eurocopter is building will meet almost half the compa-ny’s future energy needs in Donauwörth.

A project comparable to the Systemhaus is being realized at the company’s Marignane location, close to Marseille in the south of France. There, too, Eurocopter is building a new development center as part of its strategy of sustainable innovation and technology.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business (www.eurocopter.com).


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