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Eurocopter's Naval and Maritime Helicopters to be showcased at the 2012 Euronaval Exhibition

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Marignane, France, October 19, 2012   Eurocopter's extensive range of helicopters for naval and maritime missions will take pride of place at Euronaval 2012, the 23rd Naval, Defense and Maritime Exhibition and Conference, with the company displaying models of the NH90 NFH, the AS365 N3+ and the AS565 MB/Panther (Hall 2A - Stand G70).  - Gallery here -

Eurocopter's extensive range of helicopters for naval and maritime missions will take pride of place at Euronaval 2012, the 23rd Naval, Defense and Maritime Exhibition and Conference, with the company displaying models of the NH90 NFH, the AS365 N3+ and the AS565 MB/Panther (Hall 2A - Stand G70).

Eurocopter’s participation in this biennial event, to be held October 22-26 at Le Bourget Exhibition Centre near Paris, will underscore the decades of experience the company has acquired in naval and maritime helicopters. With a diversified product line tailored to numerous operational requirements, Eurocopter helicopters are counted on for such missions as antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare, anti-piracy and anti-smuggling missions as well as coastal or deep-sea maritime search and rescue operations.

Built by NHIndustries, a consortium formed by Eurocopter, AgustaWestland and Fokker, the NH90 is just one of the models on show. To date 122 NH90s have been delivered to customers, 18 of them the NFH naval version. The fleet has now clocked up a total of 30,000 flight hours, mainly in SAR missions performed in especially demanding environments and also in the Afghan theater of operations. Compatible with 80 types of NATO frigates, the naval version of the NH90 has fully demonstrated its capabilities in a wide range of missions, from reconnaissance, ship identification and tracking to rescue and transportation of passengers and troops.

“With more than 30,000 flight hours already behind it, the land and naval versions of the NH90 have shown their highly extensive operational capabilities in the most taxing conditions,” said Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter Group Executive Officer for France. “We pay very close attention to the feedback we receive from the armed forces, which have been very positive,” he added. “Italian forces have been particularly impressed by the NH90 TTH they have deployed in Afghanistan, while the NFH, which is set to receive its final qualification in the very near future, has already carried out a number of sea rescue missions, notably in France, in extreme flight conditions - saving many lives in the process.”

Eurocopter will also be displaying models of its other naval and maritime helicopters, among them the AS565 MB Panther and the AS365 N3 Dauphin. A militarized version of Eurocopter’s twin-engine Dauphin helicopter, the Panther is a multi-purpose, medium-weight aircraft designed for applications such as anti-submarine and anti-surface missions, SAR, surveillance and monitoring patrols in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), maritime counter-terrorism, casualty and medical evacuation, and troop and cargo transport. The N3+ version of the AS365 was recently fitted with a four-axis autopilot system; when used in SAR modes, this gives it the same mission capability as the civil version of the Panther.
 

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:

Ecuador's Ministry of Defense Takes Delivery of the First Two AS550 C3 Fennec Helicopters

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Marignane, October 18, 2012 Eurocopter delivered the first two AS550 C3 Fennec helicopters to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense under a contract signed in 2010 for seven of these helicopters and two AS350 B2s, which were delivered in December 2011. The contract contemplates delivery of two Fennecs per year until 2015.

Eurocopter delivered the first two AS550 C3 Fennec helicopters to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense under a contract signed in 2010 for seven of these helicopters and two AS350 B2s, which were delivered in December 2011. The contract contemplates delivery of two Fennecs per year until 2015.

The delivery ceremony held on 25 September at Eurocopter’s Marignane facility in southern France was attended by the Ecuadorian Defense Minister Miguel Carvajal, the Chief of the Armed Forces Joint Command General Leonardo Barreiro, Ejército Commander Marco Vera and Carlos A. Jativa, Ecuadorian Ambassador to France, among other officials.

“The delivery of these two new helicopters represents a further step forward under the Ecuadorian Army’s ambitious modernization program,” declared the Ecuadorian Defense Minister, Miguel Carvajal. “Our Army aviation will have a new generation of helicopters with higher performance levels and lower maintenance costs.”

The recent visit by the Ecuadorian delegation also provided an opportunity to continue discussions on an order for a second batch of aircraft, which would come in addition to the nine helicopters ordered in 2010. These orders are part of the MOD’s plans to progressively replace their Gazelle and Lama fleet, some of which have been in service for several decades.

“Eurocopter is grateful to the Ecuadorian Armed Forces for trusting in our range of products for more than 40 years now,” declared Rodolphe Henry, Eurocopter’s Vice President of Sales for Latin America. “The new helicopters are perfectly suited to the operational requirements of the Ecuadorian Army aviation and will undoubtedly help to ensure the success of the different missions to which they are assigned.”

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces were one of the first armies in Latin America to integrate Eurocopter aircraft into their fleet, and they now have more than 20 Eurocopter helicopters, including two Ecureuil AS350 Bs, two Ecureuil AS350 B2s, three SA315 B Lamas, two SA316 B Alouettes, seven SA342 Gazelles and five AS332 Super Pumas. In the 80’s, the Ecuadorian Armed Forces were also one of the first Latin-American armies to integrate the French Army Light Aviation concept, in cooperation with the French Army. The fleet’s long operational life bears testimony to the reliability and durability of the Eurocopter range.

The new Fennecs will perform a wide range of missions including rescue, reconnaissance, drug enforcement and border patrol from their base at Porto Viejo. Modern, versatile and highly maneuverable, the AS550 C3 Fennec is perfectly adapted to the operational requirements in Ecuador, a country that combines high altitudes and extreme temperatures.

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:

Eurocopter’s EC130 B4 Helicopter Makes Its Debut On Reunion Island Today

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Marignane, October 10, 2012 Fresh from receiving permission from the American authorities to fly over Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Eurocopter’s EC130 B4—one of the quietest helicopters in its class—made its debut today on Reunion Island, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010. Delivered to the company Corail Hélicoptères, the aircraft will be used to perform tourism operations and aerial work.

Fresh from receiving permission from the American authorities to fly over Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Eurocopter’s EC130 B4—one of the quietest helicopters in its class—made its debut today on Reunion Island, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010. Delivered to the company Corail Hélicoptères, the aircraft will be used to perform tourism operations and aerial work.

Founded in 2004, when it began operating with an AS355N, Corail Hélicoptères specializes in tourism transport as well as aerial work, firefighting and air evacuation. The company has grown since then and this latest delivery takes its fleet of helicopters to five, all of them from Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family. A second EC130 B4 will join the fleet before the end of the year. Corail Hélicoptères carried more than 22,000 passengers in 2011, and following these latest aircraft additions, the company is planning to add a new transportation link between Reunion Island and Mauritius to its range of missions.

“Aside from the performance of a helicopter that boasts Ecureuil technology, the added safety of the Fenestron rotor and exceptional cabin visibility, the EC130 B4 is out in front when it comes to reduced sound levels—a factor that has earned it global recognition among the most demanding authorities in the field,” commented Alfred Chane Pane, CEO of Corail Hélicoptères. “Our selection of this helicopter is part of the program we have set up to share the splendor of Reunion Island with tourists from all over the world, and to protect that heritage through our aerial work and firefighting operations.”

“In addition to flight safety and technological excellence, environmental performance is a core aspect of Eurocopter’s innovation strategy,” said Olivier Michalon, Eurocopter Vice President Europe and Central Asia. “Thanks to our investments in this area, Eurocopter helicopters are now at the forefront of environmental performance. Eurocopter will continue to make every effort to offer its customers a range of aircraft that are even more environmentally friendly.”

A member of the Ecureuil family, the EC130 combines comfort and performance. Equipped with a Fenestron rotor and an automatic system for regulating rotor speed according to flight phases, it generates sound levels that are 8.5 decibels below the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard and 0.5 decibels below the permissible level for flying over the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. What is more, its carefully designed interior and superb visibility fully meet the expectations of both tourists and corporate passengers alike.

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:

Eurocopter's mission-capable helicopters take center stage at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition

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Nagoya, Japan, October 9, 2012 The capabilities offered by Eurocopter’s current and future helicopter product lines for Japanese civil and governmental operators will be the company’s focus at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition in Nagoya. Eurocopter’s exhibits will include flight demonstrations by the highly popular EC135 light twin-engine helicopter, as well as scale models of the EC175 and the X3 high-speed hybrid technology demonstrator.

The capabilities offered by Eurocopter’s current and future helicopter product lines for Japanese civil and governmental operators will be the company’s focus at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition in Nagoya. Eurocopter’s exhibits will include flight demonstrations by the highly popular EC135 light twin-engine helicopter, as well as scale models of the EC175 and the X3 high-speed hybrid technology demonstrator.

To be showcased at the event is the EC135 light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter, of which more than 70 have been registered in the country – making Japan’s fleet the third largest worldwide. An EC135 will be displayed at Nagoya’s Central Japan International Airport (Centrair), where it will take part in the exhibition’s flight presentations on October 13-14.

The EC135 is a rotorcraft of choice for Japan’s “Doctor-Helicopter” emergency airlift services program, and is also widely used in electronic news-gathering missions by the country’s media organizations. In addition, the EC135 was selected by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force as its training helicopter, with the service having already contracted 10 of the 15 planned for acquisition and operating 8 of them.

As part of Eurocopter’s support for local operators, its Eurocopter Japan subsidiary has created a training center in its newly opened Kobe facilities, which is to formally receive Eurocopter’s certificate of approval during an October 11 ceremony at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition. This will be Eurocopter’s 22nd training center worldwide, and will include a full-flight simulator for the EC135.

“Eurocopter is continually developing new and cutting-edge technology to meet the requirements and expectations of customers,” said Eurocopter Japan President & CEO Stephane Ginoux. “We have also renewed our commitment to Japan with the investment made in our new Kobe facilities, which will put us in good stead to answer to the needs of both civil operators as well as government agencies effectively and efficiently.”

Scale models of Eurocopter’s new EC175 medium twin-engine helicopter and the revolutionary X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter are to be included on the company’s Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibit stand at the Port Messe Nagoya, where the event’s displays are located.

The EC175 is well matched to the law enforcement, fire-fighting and disaster response needs of Japan’s central and local governments, and also offers a highly capable solution for passenger shuttle operations and transportation to off-shore oil and gas platforms.

Eurocopter’s X3 demonstrator has proven its capabilities in flight testing, validating the company’s concept in applications requiring long transit flights and where speed is important, while retaining vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at a very affordable cost. The X3 uses a pair of turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system, as well as two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings.

In response to the Japanese government’s recent decision to relax its defense policy in an effort to strengthen its domestic defense industry, Eurocopter will also demonstrate its commitment to co-operation programs with Japanese partners. Not only does Eurocopter have a proven track record of successful industrial co-operations for European military platforms such as the Tiger combat helicopter and NH90 NATO multirole helicopter programs; Eurocopter’s 35-year co-operation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the EC145/BK117 civilian program has also enjoyed great success globally.

About Eurocopter Japan (www.eurocopter.co.jp)
Eurocopter Japan Co., Ltd was established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of Eurocopter (90%) and Itochu Corporation (10%). In July 2009, Eurocopter Japan established Eurocopter Japan T&E. Co., Ltd, a joint venture with ANAM. After these two acquisitions, Eurocopter became the first foreign affiliated company in this field to become a full fledged industrial player in Japan. With around 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 320 helicopters and 50 years of presence in Japan, Eurocopter Japan will continue to contribute to Japanese customers and the society by improving safety, usability and the cost efficiency of the air by providing excellent products and consummate services.

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:

Eurocopter showcases the newly upgraded EC130 T2's with special emphasis on its capacity for aerial work in a two week European demo-tour

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Marignane, October 9, 2012 Eurocopter's newest lightweight single engine helicopter - the EC130 T2 - is completing a two-week demo tour in several European countries to demonstrate its exceptional capabilities for aerial work and heavy lifting operations in mountainous and low altitude environments.

Eurocopter's newest lightweight single engine helicopter - the EC130 T2 - is completing a two-week demo tour in several European countries to demonstrate its exceptional capabilities for aerial work and heavy lifting operations in mountainous and low altitude environments.

Unveiled at Heli Expo 2012 in Dallas, where it registered a total of 105 bookings, the new version of the EC130 light helicopter was awarded EASA certification in May of 2012 and FAA certification on July of 2012. The first EC130 T2 was delivered last week to Maverick Aviation Group, a leader in the Las Vegas and Grand Canyon tourism industry, which placed an order for 50 of the newly enhanced aircraft.

The EC130 T2 demo tour, which kicked off in Evian (France) on September 27, will allow the new aircraft to show off its performances for clients and operators through flight demonstrations in Switzerland, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden before finishing up the tour in Norway on October 15.

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On average, some 50 customers per day will have the opportunity to fly onboard the new EC130 T2, the latest version of the proven EC130. The demonstrations will permit commercial customers from various market segments to discover the enhanced flight characteristics of the new aircraft, and special attention will be paid to showcase the capabilities of the EC130 T2 to perform aerial and utility work as well as passenger transportations in mountainous areas (Swiss and Italian Alps) as well as in low altitude conditions (Nordic countries).

This demo tour provides a unique occasion for aerial work operators to test the outstanding operational performances of the latest member of the Ecureuil family, which features an upgraded gearbox and a new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, providing 10 percent more average power than the engine used in the previous EC130 B4 version. Performance improvements for the EC130 T2 include a higher maximum gross takeoff weight (2,500 kg for internal loads and 3,050 kg when carrying external loads) and a speed increase of up to 10 knots.

Several guest pilots will be able to take the controls of the EC130 T2 side-by-side with Eurocopter pilot Olivier Gensse, where they will be able to experience the extraordinary lift capacity of the new aircraft’s aerial/utility work configuration, which features a cargo swing able to lift up to 1,500 kg.

Customers will also have the chance to experience the increased versatility and enhanced comfort of the EC130 T2 upgraded version, which provides improved air ventilation with an optional powerful air conditioning, an efficient anti-vibration system and ease of access thanks to its two sliding doors.

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:

Brazilian supply chain expands for EC725s to be built in-country by Eurocopter’s Helibras subsidiary for the Brazilian armed forces

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Itajubá, Brazil, October 3, 2012 During the inauguration of the new production facility in Minas Gerais, Eurocopter’s Helibras subsidiary signed yesterday a contract with Brazil’s InbraAerospace to supply composite armor protection on the Brazilian armed forces’ multi-role EC725 helicopters to be assembled in the new plant.

Itajubá, Brazil, October 3, 2012

During the inauguration of the new production facility in Minas Gerais, Eurocopter’s Helibras subsidiary signed yesterday a contract with Brazil’s InbraAerospace to supply composite armor protection on the Brazilian armed forces’ multi-role EC725 helicopters to be assembled in the new plant.

This new agreement brings to 15 the number of supplier contracts already placed for Brazilian-made content on the EC725s, which are to be operated in missions that include combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and naval duties.

InbraAerospace was selected to provide the EC725 composite armor after a rigorous international competition – reinforcing this company’s role as a Eurocopter subcontractor.

“This new selection builds on our relationship with InbraAerospace which already produces armor for Ecureuil helicopters,” said Helibras Vice President Eduardo Mauad, who is responsible for industrial cooperation. “It also opens future business opportunities for Inbra with Helibras and its Eurocopter parent company.”

InbraAerospace was created in 2002 to develop the manufacture of aeronautical composites in Brazilian and international markets. It is a unit of Grupo Inbrafiltro, and currently employs 120 persons.

“This partnership is an exceptional opportunity to further evolve our aerospace market presence,” said Jairo Candido, the President of InbraAerospace. “It includes technology transfer from Eurocopter to InbraAerospace, which is aligned with the contractual goals established for Brazil’s acquisition of the EC725s.”

Other Helibras contracts with EC725 suppliers in Brazil include Toyo Matic Aerospace, which already has produced the first “made in Brazil” rotor head sleeves to be used on the helicopters; Aernnova do Brasil for metal tailbooms; Turbomeca do Brasil for the supply of engines; Sagem/TM for autopilot systems; Rohde & Schwarz do Brasil for radios; AEL Aeroeletrônica, to supply cockpit instrumentation; Microturbo/TM for auxiliary power units; SDV Brasil for logistics; AKAER for engineering services; and manufacturing tooling suppliers RCS, GNS, UNISTIL, MASTER, ITAKAR and IFAM.

Helibras is to provide a total of 50 EC725s to Brazil’s three armed forces in a €1.8 billion acquisition signed by the Brazilian Defense Ministry in 2008. As part of the agreement, these helicopters are to progressively include 50 percent Brazilian-made content.

A state-of-the-art assembly facility created by Helibras at Itajubá will produce the EC725s, along with EC225 civilian versions for the regional marketplace.

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 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:

www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter’s Helibras subsidiary inaugurates a major new Brazilian assembly facility for EC725/EC225 helicopters in Itajubá

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Itajubá, Brazil, October 3, 2012 Eurocopter marked a major development for Brazil’s aeronautical industry yesterday with the inauguration of its Helibras subsidiary’s new rotary-wing center of excellence in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, where Brazilian Armed Forces EC725 helicopters will be assembled.

Itajubá, Brazil, October 3, 2012

Eurocopter marked a major development for Brazil’s aeronautical industry yesterday with the inauguration of its Helibras subsidiary’s new rotary-wing center of excellence in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, where Brazilian Armed Forces EC725 helicopters will be assembled.

Helibras’ new Itajubá plant will produce, assemble and maintain the EC725s being acquired by Brazil’s three armed forces in the largest such contract ever signed in South America – providing a highly capable aircraft fleet based on Eurocopter’s renowned Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. The new industry capabilities will also enable Helibras to build the civilian EC225 version, providing locally-manufactured helicopters for off-shore oil and gas operations, as well as other applications.

In addition to establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, this center will create the framework for potential future helicopter development in the country, along with the evolution of its aviation industry supply chain.

“The Itajubá plant represents our latest milestone in a relationship spanning more than 30 years with Brazil, and underscores Eurocopter’s commitment of being in proximity to its customers while in-sourcing high-value business in key markets,” said Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling. “

Total investment in the new Helibras Itajubá industrial site is €160 million, which includes creation of the facility, establishment of the various elements necessary for helicopter production, as well as the organization and operation of related training programs for personnel. The plant is part of a €1.8 billion agreement signed by Helibras and the Brazilian Defense Ministry in 2008 for acquisition of the EC725s to be operated by Brazil’s three armed forces – which are to include progressively 50 percent Brazilian-made content.

“This program meets the Brazilian government’s goals of acquiring mission-capable, customized helicopters for its armed forces, while bringing in valuable expertise for the country’s aeronautical industry and the supply chain,” stated Eduardo Marson Ferreira, the Helibras President.

Helibras already has delivered the first four EC725s to Brazil – which were assembled at Eurocopter’s production site in France, to be followed by the Itajubá-built helicopters. The first of these are today in the Final Assembly Line in the new Brazilian facility, including an EC725 that will serve as the development and systems integration aircraft for the in-country development of the Utility and Naval mission systems. 2017 is the deadline to deliver the 50 aircraft.

Helibras already has signed contracts with 15 Brazilian companies for the supply of EC725 components, parts and services. It also is providing training for pilots, mechanics, technicians and engineers during activity in both France and Brazil as part of the technology transfer agreement for the helicopter acquisition.

The new Helibras Itajubá production facility was built using state-of-the-art engineering, incorporating the most modern construction materials and sustainability concepts. As examples, the main building’s architecture favors the use of natural light for interior illumination, while solar panels provide electricity and translucent industrial shutters facilitate ventilation. The production facility’s roof area also is in compliance with the latest sustainability concepts, and rainwater will be collected and reused for industrial processes. These features will contribute to energy savings of 231 kWh per month and water savings of 20 cubic meters monthly. Additionally, a recycling program is to collect approximately four tons of material per month, representing an important incentive for Itajubá’s environmental preservation efforts.

The EC725 is Eurocopter’s latest member of its Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. As a highly capable twin-engine helicopter in the 11-metric-ton category, it is designed for multiple missions, including combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and naval duties.

Its civil version, the EC225, counts more than 110 helicopters in service around the world, with 190,000 flight hours logged to date by this fleet. Only in Brazil, 14 EC225s are operated for offshore transport to oil and gas platforms in the Santos and Campos areas.

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 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:

www.eurocopter.com