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Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters enter service with the Bangladesh Army for use in humanitarian missions and VIP airlift

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Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 28, 2012 The Bangladesh Army has marked its formal service introduction of two new Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters, which will be deployed on United Nations humanitarian missions and operated in multi-role transport duties for the republic.

Supplied through the Eurocopter South East Asia subsidiary, these are the first Eurocopter-built rotorcraft to join the Bangladesh Army’s aviation fleet, and they were presented today during a ceremony at the military service’s Dhaka Cantonment headquarters.

In preparation for the twin-engine Dauphin’s service introduction, an initial group of Bangladesh Army pilots attended ground school classes at Eurocopter South East Asia’s Singapore facility, and were trained in the subsidiary’s AS365 N3+ full-flight simulator. Additional crew members are to follow, including pilots who will be qualified as instructors.

“These two Dauphins will significantly enhance our capabilities, as we continue to participate actively in world peacekeeping missions,” explained Brigadier General Abdullah Al Azhar, commander of the ad hoc army aviation group. “The provision of simulator training by Eurocopter South East Asia has greatly facilitated the service entry of the aircraft, allowing our pilots to operate them from the onset with confidence and ease.”

To cater to the growing Dauphin fleet in Asia, Eurocopter South East Asia was designated earlier this year as the regional hub to provide training, major inspection and heavy structural repairs for the Dauphin family of helicopters.

“We welcome the Bangladesh Army to Eurocopter’s global family of operators,” said Bernard Brenner, President & CEO of Eurocopter South East Asia. “Their confidence in our products stems not just from the Dauphin’s proven capabilities, but also from our ability to provide them with the full suite of support and services, which comes as a direct benefit from Eurocopter’s policy of being in close proximity to the customers.”

Eurocopter’s AS365 N3+ is the company’s latest member in the Dauphin helicopter family, featuring more powerful Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, an increased gross weight, a 4-axis autopilot and glass cockpit.

About Eurocopter South East Asia
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is the training and technical hub, and handles sales and customer support activities of 15 territories in total. In 2011, ESEA achieved a turnover of 135 million Euros. With a staff-strength of more than 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives, servicing and maintaining more than 300 helicopters in the region.

Website: www.eurocoptersea.com.sg

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 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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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Website: www.eurocopter.com

The CGAMEC joint venture of Eurocopter, COHC and Samwell Aviation expands its helicopter maintenance capabilities in China

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Zhuhai, China, November 15, 2012 China’s CGAMEC (COHC General Aviation Maintenance & Engineering Company) joint venture has broadened its helicopter support and services with rotor blade repair approval by Eurocopter, further developing this company’s capabilities as the rotorcraft sector continues to develop and mature in China.

The blade repair builds on CGAMEC’s previous qualification as a Eurocopter-approved center for a variety of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services on helicopter types that range from the light single-engine EC120 to heavy twin-engine helicopters such as the Super Puma AS332 and EC225.

CGAMEC’s new capability was formalized with Eurocopter’s presentation of the rotor blade repair approval certificate, which was provided by Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter’s Executive Vice President of Global Business and Services, to CGAMEC General Manager Zhou Jian at the 2012 Airshow China in Zhuhai.

“The blade repair capability is a major step in CGAMEC’s development, which supports the rapidly-evolving helicopter market in China,” Maudet said. “It demonstrates the commitment of Eurocopter and CGAMEC to increase their support and services activities. Eurocopter will continue to assist CGAMEC in gaining new capabilities to offer current and future Chinese customers with local solutions to support their helicopters.”

Created in 2001, the Shenzhen-based CGAMEC is a joint venture of CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company (COHC), Eurocopter and Samwell Aviation Limited Company. It is the first Sino-foreign joint venture in the general aviation MRO field, and is approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as well as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In addition to being the only Eurocopter-approved maintenance center in China, CGAMEC also is the engine service center in China approved by Turbomeca – the main manufacturer of powerplants for Eurocopter’s product line.

“Our new rotor blade repair qualification enhances CGAMEC’s advantage in China, and provides additional benefits for our leadership role with Eurocopter in this market,” Zhou explained. “We look forward to bringing additional expertise to our maintenance, repair and overhaul portfolio through this joint venture.”

According to Bruno Boulnois, the CEO of Eurocopter China, CGAMEC’s capabilities expansion marks a new step in Eurocopter’s Chinese presence strategy, which includes its in-country subsidiary that he oversees, along with a range of cooperative programs for spare parts, logistics, MRO and training – all tailored to offer turn-key solutions for customers and their operational needs.

In other activity at this week’s Airshow China that underscores Eurocopter’s key role in Chinese rotorcraft operations, the company recognized COHC for the 160,000 hours of safe flight operations logged with Eurocopter rotorcraft. COHC’s Eurocopter fleet is composed of the EC135, AS365, EC155, AS332 and EC225 helicopter types.

About Eurocopter China (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, around 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 65 employees.

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 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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 demonstrates its expanding Chinese market presence with a high-profile participation at Airshow China in Zhuhai

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Marignane, France, November 14, 2012 The China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) will feature Eurocopter helicopters that perform a full range of missions throughout the country – with the focus on its popular Squirrel rotorcraft family.

Appearing at Airshow China – to be held November 13-18 in the Zhuhai Airport Exposition Center – are two Chinese-registered Eurocopter rotorcraft in the Squirrel product line: an AS350 B3 flown in charter service by the CITIC General Aviation Co., Ltd.; and an EC130 B4 configured by ZOECO for VIP transportation.

Included on the Airshow China display stand of Eurocopter parent company EADS (Hall 1, Booth no. 10) will be scale models of the EC135, EC155 and EC225 helicopters, which highlight the company’s product line diversity to meet the varied needs of Chinese civil operators, emergency medical service providers and law enforcement agencies.

“China is a rapidly-developing market, and Eurocopter is capable of meeting the country’s full range of mission requirements with a modern, and evolving, helicopter product line,” said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter’s Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific. “Our leading position in this important market comes as a result of not just our extensive product range, but also decades of investment and collaboration programs, as well as the expansion of our local support and services network.”

CITIC’s AS350 B3 displayed at Airshow China illustrates Eurocopter’s Squirrel success in China, where this helicopter family is used for utility and aerial work, including in high-altitude conditions of over 5,000m. More than 30 Squirrels are currently flying in the country as multi-role workhorse rotorcraft, demonstrating their versatility required by customers in China.

The EC130 B4 Squirrel variant to be presented at Zhuhai represents Eurocopter’s partnership with ZOECO in helicopter interior customization, responding to a growing demand for VIP and corporate travel in China.

“With the versatility and reliability of the Squirrel proven around the world, Chinese customers are also seeing it as a helicopter of choice for their varied missions,” said Eurocopter China CEO Bruno Boulnois. “The Squirrel has become the most popular turbine helicopter in the country for commercial and training use in recent years. To cater to the rapid growth of the Squirrel fleet, we have developed the full suite of support and services offerings for this range in China.”

Building on the Squirrel’s popularity, Eurocopter is now able to provide Type Rating Training for this helicopter series in China, along with the capability to repair mechanical parts and rotor blades – enhancing the overall in-country support and services capabilities for the company’s products.

Also in China, the Eurocopter EC135 has become a helicopter of reference for operations that include emergency medical services with the Honliv Group, law enforcement with the Wuhan Police, as well as in passenger/VIP flights.

The Dolphin family of rotorcraft represents a worldwide standard for search and rescue (SAR) duties, and is being offered by Eurocopter for the China Ministry of Transport’s acquisition of SAR helicopters.

About Eurocopter China (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, around 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 65 employees.

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 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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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EADS North America awarded $181.8 million Army contract option for 34 UH-72A Lakotas

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Contract builds on 243 on-time, on-budget Lakota deliveries EADS North America awarded $181.8 million Army contract option for 34 UH-72A Lakotas.

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2012 — The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a $181.8 million contract option to deliver 34 additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters, bringing the total aircraft ordered to date to 312. Army plans call for procuring 347 Lakotas through 2016.

EADS North America has delivered 243 Lakotas – all on time and on budget – from its American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss., where up to five aircraft per month are produced by a workforce that is more than 50 percent U.S. military veterans. The same production line would produce the company’s armed Lakota derivative, the AAS-72X+, for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout helicopter program.

© EADS-North America

"This latest contract award is a reflection of EADS North America’s commitment to on-time, on-cost performance with the Lakota, a proven, flexible aircraft that is flying every day to meet the Army’s mission," said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO. "We’re proud of delivering on our promises. In today’s fiscal environment, the Army needs and deserves programs that meet their cost and schedule commitments."

"The Lakota program is an example of a successful program that is meeting the Army’s needs by complying with the Army and OSD goals for an ACAT-1 high performing program," said Colonel Thomas H. Todd, the Utility Helicopters Project Manager. "High performing, well-run programs are the benchmark for major defense program acquisition; the Lakota is clearly in that category."

Aircraft deliveries under the latest option will begin in September 2013. The contract also includes eight engine inlet barrier filter kits.

Twenty-four of the aircraft on this contract will receive the Security and Support (S&S) Battalion mission equipment package (MEP), which was procured under a separate contract action. The S&S Battalion MEP expands the Lakota’s capabilities for missions ranging from disaster response to border security operations. It includes a moving map, EO/IR sensor, digital video recording capability, digital and analog downlink, and a searchlight. Army National Guard units across the country currently operate Lakotas equipped with the S&S Battalion MEP, including extensive operations along the U.S. southwest border.

A combination of full contractor logistics support (CLS) for the Active Army and hybrid CLS for the Army National Guard enables the units to operate the Lakota in accordance with their flying hour plan. The Army program office, military units, and the industry team of EADS North America, American Eurocopter and Helicopter Support International has provided tailored program logistics to the Army and Army National Guard since 2006.

The Lakota fleet has averaged an operational availability rate greater than 90 percent for locations with the full contractor logistics (CLS) support, encompassing 21 different military units. Spare parts fill rate under the hybrid CLS concept supporting 33 units has averaged 97 percent.

The UH-72A is a Defense Acquisition Category (ACAT) I major defense acquisition program, and marked one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the U.S. Army’s history. Deliveries of the aircraft to National Guard units allow aging OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft to be retired, while UH-72As assigned to the active component of the U.S. Army free up UH-60 Black Hawks for assignment to combat missions.
 

About American Eurocopter(www.eurocopterusa.com)
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss., that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.

About EADS North Americar(www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
EADS North America is the U.S.-based operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and related services. EADS contributes more than $13 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports over 225,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers. EADS North America, headquartered in Herndon, Va., offers a broad array of advanced solutions to meet U.S. military and commercial requirements, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems.

About EADS (www.eads.com)
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2010, the Group - comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.

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STARLITE Aviation Group Becomes the Launching Customer of Eurocopter's New Super Puma AS332 C1e

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Marignane, France, November 8, 2012   Eurocopter and Starlite Aviation Group have signed a contract for the acquisition of two AS332 C1e helicopters, the latest version of the popular Eurocopter Super Puma medium weight helicopter. The contract also includes an option for two additional aircraft. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following EASA and FAA certification.

Marignane, France, November 8, 2012

Eurocopter and Starlite Aviation Group have signed a contract for the acquisition of two AS332 C1e helicopters, the latest version of the popular Eurocopter Super Puma medium weight helicopter. The contract also includes an option for two additional aircraft. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following EASA and FAA certification.

The AS332 C1e is a new version of Eurocopter’s Super Puma helicopter that includes a specific configuration offering shorter lead times and highly competitive operational and maintenance costs.

“Eurocopter is very proud to accompany the rapid development of Startlite and to build on their continued confidence in our products and services,” said Fabrice Arfi, Head of Business Development at Eurocopter Group. “Starlite has demonstrated a high level of expertise carrying out very demanding missions in difficult environments and we know that they will continue to be successful with this new and highly performing helicopter.”

Based in Ireland and South Africa, Starlite Aviation Group offers a wide range of helicopter services to international clients such as UN agencies and NGOs for peace keeping or logistic support missions involving transportation of passengers and freight, heavy load aerial work, surveillance and executive transportation worldwide. The new Super Pumas, acquired in the context of a fleet renewal and expansion program, will join the operator’s extensive helicopter fleet, which currently includes 10 Eurocopter Pumas SA330s.

“After 12 years of Puma operations in austere environments all over the world, Starlite Aviation Group is convinced that the Super Puma AS332 C1e is the only new product on the market able to meet the current requirements of the commercial medium-heavy utility market” said Slade Thomas, CEO of Starlite Aviation Group. “It is an honor for our company to be the launch customer of this new Super Puma version”.

The AS332 C1e is a medium weight, twin engine helicopter with outstanding performance belonging to the well-known Super Puma/Cougar family of aircraft. The long range capabilities, power, speed and large useful payload of up to 4.3 tons make it especially successful for missions such as equipment and passenger transportation as well as Search and Rescue. Thanks to its powerful MAKILA 1A1 engines, its state-of-art avionics and latest generation 4 axis autopilot, the AS332 C1e is able to operate in harsh conditions. Beyond these characteristics, the AS332 C1e offers excellent availability rates with optimized maintenance and operating costs.

The Super Puma family has logged more than four million flight hours in 50 countries around the world.

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 20,000 people.
In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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:

Mission ready: Eurocopter's broad helicopter product line to be presented at the INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum

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Jakarta, 6 November 2012 The capabilities of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line to meet Indonesia’s defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue mission needs will be displayed at this month’s INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum in Jakarta.

The capabilities of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line to meet Indonesia’s defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue mission needs will be displayed at this month’s INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum in Jakarta.

Eurocopter is to exhibit scale models of the EC725, EC145, AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MB Panther rotary-wing aircraft at INDO DEFENCE 2012, joining its EADS parent company during the event (Hall D, Stand D110).

“With its modern range of helicopters, Eurocopter is well positioned to respond to the diverse operational requirements of Indonesia for its Armed Forces, homeland security, law enforcement and parapublic missions,” said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter’s Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific. “We are ready to expand the exemplary collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which is supported by major investments and transfer of knowledge in manufacturing, integration and customization of helicopters, with the creation of additional training opportunities and the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions.”

© anthony pecchi

PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Eurocopter’s long lasting relationship has successfully led to the choice by Indonesia Air Force to procure six EC725 for combat search and rescue earlier this year. This follows the licensed assembly in Indonesia of SA330 Pumas and AS332 Super Pumas, along with the in-country manufacture of EC225 and EC725 tail booms and airframe assemblies for Eurocopter since 2008.

© anthony pecchi

The EC725 selected for Indonesia’s combat search and rescue duties is the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter’s 11-ton military product line, and has become a rotorcraft of choice in the modernization of military forces’ fleets worldwide. This twin-engine helicopter’s capabilities in challenging operating conditions are being demonstrated during its current Afghanistan deployment by France, and were also proven in operations supporting France’s role with NATO-led operations during the Libyan military campaign.

Eurocopter’s EC145 family is recognized worldwide as a highly versatile medium twin-engine helicopter for law enforcement and security missions. In addition to its use by police departments, sheriff agencies and other organizations in many countries, the UH-72A version is being supplied to the U.S. Army as its new Light Utility Helicopter. This rotary-wing aircraft’s performance has been further enhanced with the EC145 T2 version, which incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

The Eurocopter Fennec helicopter product line – derived from the renowned Ecureuil rotorcraft family – is performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training duties around the globe today. This series of adaptable single- and twin-engine helicopters combine powerful light attack capabilities with highly cost-effective airframe and mission system solutions.

Also highlighted at INDO DEFENCE 2012 is the AS565 MB Panther, a member of the company’s Dauphin family that is in operation with many military services for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime counterterrorism, surveillance and control, casualty/medical evacuations and search and rescue. This helicopter series can be fitted with torpedoes and dipping sonar, and is demonstrating its capabilities daily with operators that include the United States Coast Guard – which flies some 100 MH-65 Dolphins for search and rescue, homeland security, drug interdiction, pollution control and other missions.

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 20,000 people.
In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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:

EADS North America concludes AAS-72X+ national demo tour for Army’s Armed Scout aviators, displays helicopter at AUSA show

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HERNDON, Va., Oct. 22, 2012   EADS North America has concluded a national demonstration tour that allowed Army aviators to experience the capabilities of the company’s AAS-72X+ Armed Aerial Scout helicopter offering. The AAS-72X+, an armed derivative of the Army’s highly successful UH-72A Lakota, is on display this week at the Association of the U.S. Army annual exposition in Washington, D.C.

EADS North America has concluded a national demonstration tour that allowed Army aviators to experience the capabilities of the company’s AAS-72X+ Armed Aerial Scout helicopter offering. The AAS-72X+, an armed derivative of the Army’s highly successful UH-72A Lakota, is on display this week at the Association of the U.S. Army annual exposition in Washington, D.C.

The AAS-72X+ will be manufactured by the company’s American Eurocopter business unit in Columbus, Miss., on the same hot production line that has delivered 240 Lakotas on time and on budget. Lockheed Martin provides the mission computer and integrates the mission equipment.

Ref. Alamosa 12, © Copyright EADS-NA

From Oct. 9 to 19, company officials provided flight time in a representative aircraft to pilots from the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout community at Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Bragg, N.C.

"We want the warfighters who know first-hand how demanding the Armed Aerial Scout mission is to experience the difference in performance that the AAS-72X+ offers," said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO.

The national demo tour followed on the heels of a highly successful Voluntary Flight Demonstration (VFD) EADS North America conducted for Army evaluators in the mountains of Colorado in late September and early October. The VFD was part of the service’s effort to assess potential replacements for the OH-58 Kiowa, which was first fielded more than four decades ago.

"It’s time for a competition," O’Keefe said. "We’ve proven that we have an affordable, low-risk solution that can close the operational gap between the demands of the Armed Aerial Scout mission and the limited capabilities of the current single-engine, Vietnam-era aircraft."

EADS North America chose to fly its VFD in the mountains to showcase the exceptional performance of the AAS-72X+ offering at the higher altitudes that are most demanding for helicopters. Routinely flying missions between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, pilots met or exceeded Army helicopter performance and handling standards normally assessed at sea level.

The AAS-72X+, which is cost-competitive with the upgrades planned for the OH-58, could be fielded with Army units as early as 2016.

Learn more at www.aas72x.com.

About American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com)
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss., that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.

About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

About EADS (www.eads.com)
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2011, the Group - comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000.

About Lockheed Martin (www.lockheedmartin.com)
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Contact
James Darcy Office 1-703-466-5692
james.darcy@eads-na.com Mobile 1-571-214-1722
www.eadsnorthamerica.com