Corporate

Eurocopter’s revolutionary X3 helicopter begins its U.S. tour in Texas

The tour was initiated with a debut X3 flight presentation at the Grand Prairie, Texas headquarters of Eurocopter’s U.S. subsidiary – American Eurocopter – which was attended by employees, elected officials, customers and industry partners.
In addition to providing the first-ever demonstration of Eurocopter’s cutting-edge innovation with the X3 outside of Europe, the company’s tradition of rotary-wing excellence was underscored by a Grand Prairie Airport fly-in of its product range, from the pioneering Alouette and BO105 to today’s UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-65C Dolphin, as well as the EC225, AS350 and EC145 – which are used in civilian operations, law enforcement, medical airlift and parapublic missions.

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“We have a very ambitious innovation strategy leading to the first flight of a new helicopter, a new version or a new technology demonstrator every year. Innovation is not just a buzzword, it’s a way of life at Eurocopter,” explained President & CEO Lutz Bertling.  “With the ingenious design and unparalleled technology of our X 3 demonstrator, we are well positioned to bring this type of helicopter to the market in the next 10 years.”
Underscoring the X3’s maturity and excellent handling characteristics, some guest pilots and observers were invited to fly aboard the demonstrator aircraft today – an opportunity that will be repeated during multiple demonstrations organized by American Eurocopter at Grand Prairie with the oil and gas, public services, law enforcement and medical airlift sectors.
The X3 will then fly to Redstone Army Arsenal Airfield in Alabama; Fort Bragg’s Simmons Army Airfield in North Carolina; Virginia’s Manassas Regional Airport and military installations in the Washington, D.C. area.
Eurocopter’s aircraft configuration for the X3 uses a pair of turboshaft engines to power a fiveblade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This concept is well adapted to missions requiring long transit flights and where speed is important, while retaining vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at very affordable cost.
The company envisions a wide range of purposes for its hybrid technology in future products, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR), Coast Guard missions, border patrol missions, passenger transport and off-shore airlift, along with inter-city shuttle services. It also is well-suited for military missions in special forces operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation – benefitting from the combination of higher cruise speeds with excellent vertical takeoff/landing performance.
Eurocopter began X3 flight testing in September 2010 from the Istres Flight Test Center in southern France, where the aircraft easily surpassed its initial speed target of 220 kts.; reaching more than 230 kts. in level flight while using 80 percent of available power. Beyond confirming its excellent flight qualities, maneuverability, outstanding acceleration and deceleration capabilities, the hybrid demonstrator has shown exceptional climb and descent rates along with very low vibration levels – all without any need for passive or active anti-vibration systems.

Follow the X3 U.S. tour with daily news and updates
on the company’s special events website.
and on our press website

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

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter establishes Africa’s first full motion Helicopter

Johannesburg, South Africa, June 19, 2012
Africa’s first full-motion helicopter flight simulator has been commissioned by Eurocopter in Kempton Park, the world’s leading manufacturer of civil and military rotorwing aircraft. The simulator, designed to train pilots and flight engineers operating Super Puma and similarly compatible helicopters including the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Oryx , is located at the SimAero training centre adjacent to the O.R. Tambo International Airport.
“We aim to continuously improve and enhance flight safety and crew skills. By placing simulators as close as possible to our customers we are able to provide training programs tailored to their specific needs. We are confident that the simulator will add significant value, not just in terms of monetary savings for the SAAF, but in real terms, measured in terms of peoples’ lives are saved,” explained Eurocopter Southern Africa’s CEO, Fabrice Cagnat. “And positioning the simulator in Johannesburg, where it is easy to come and train, is an attractive proposition for all other Super Puma operators. We have already received a strong interest from operators from Africa but also from other part of the world,” he added.
By using a full-motion flight simulator, crew are able to refine their skills by training for all conceivable emergencies and mission scenarios, including some which would be too dangerous or not permissible to attempt during training flights on actual helicopters.
“For the SAAF, our focus is foremost on providing upliftment of aircrew skills,” added Colonel Hardus Engelbrecht. “This is achieved by a combination of factors which allow trainees to forget that they are in a simulator and not the real aircraft. These are primarily a combination of accurate movements driven by hydraulically driven jacks that push, pull and tilt a replica helicopter cockpit, against which foreground imagery is projected”.
“We will also benefit financially through the substantial savings that will be generated by not having to send crews to Europe for extended periods of simulator training and all of the associated costs which go with this, e.g. hotel accommodation, long haul air tickets and allowances. At the end of the day, training on a locally-based simulator will deliver a much bigger bang for our limited buck,” he added.
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:

Eurocopter’s X3: A revolutionary new spin on the helicopter lands in the United States

Eurocopter exhibits the largest range of military helicopters at Eurosatory 2012, demonstrating its close links with armed forces worldwide

This presence will include French Army displays of the most modern air response capabilities in France and foreign theaters, based on its Eurocopter Tiger combat helicopter and the multi-role NH90 transport. Eurocopter’s EC645 T2 version will be unveiled as well on the exhibit stand of parent company EADS (D480), along with the multi-role EC725 helicopter

.Also during the Eurosatory land defense and security exhibition, Eurocopter is set to showcase the many decades of experience acquired in the military helicopter sector. Benefiting from its wide diversity of rotary-wing aircraft and their ability to adapt to a broad spectrum of missions, Eurocopter’s product line represents a benchmark – with operational uses ranging from reconnaissance, identification and tracking to deterrence, escort, attack, rescue and troop transportation.

“In offering the largest range of military helicopters, Eurocopter responds to the growing diversity of missions carried out by armed forces around the globe,” said Dominique Maudet, Executive Officer for France & Vice President Global Business and Services Eurocopter Group. “In seeking to reinforce our strong ties with customers, we are paying particularly close attention to the feedback received from a number of armed forces, who are helping us to improve our products on a continual basis and offer rotorcraft that meet their every operational requirement.”

The EC645 is the latest member of Eurocopter’s military helicopter family, and the new T2 version will be a highlight of EADS’ static display at Eurosatory. The EC645 is the militarized version of the EC145 – a 3.5-metric-ton helicopter that is in widespread use around the world for homeland security, law enforcement, search & rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation missions. This versatile helicopter can be rapidly reconfigured to meet a wide range of requirements in any number of missions and complex combat scenarios, including asymmetric warfare. Equipped with an independent armament system capable of dealing with all threats, the EC645 incorporates a mission computer; an electro-optical system with an infrared camera, laser telemeter and laser designator; a targeting system complete with head-up display technology; and two weapon pylons with slaving units. It also comes with a wide choice of weapons loads (guns, missiles and unguided or guided rockets).

The EC145 helicopter family scored a major success when it was selected by the U.S. Army for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program, with the contract comprising nearly 350 aircraft in total. More than 200 of these helicopters, which are designated the UH-72A in their U.S. Army configuration, have now been received by the customer – with all delivered on time and on cost from the production line of Eurocopter’s American Eurocopter subsidiary in the state of Mississippi. Feedback on the operational use of this fleet has been incorporated into the new T2 version now available to armed forces.

Eurocopter’s EC665 Tiger, the world’s most modern and best-performing attack helicopter, and the NH90, the most advanced helicopter in its class, also will be presented by the French Army in their operational configurations at Eurosatory.
Orders have been placed for 206 Tiger combat helicopters, with France accounting for 80 of them, Germany another 80, Spain 24 and Australia 22. Eighty-four of these aircraft already are in service, and have demonstrated their performance in operational theaters such as Afghanistan and Libya, where they displayed exceptional maneuverability, precision, durability in combat and range. In parallel with the French Army HAP (combat support helicopter) version currently deployed in Afghanistan, the Tiger HAD (support and attack helicopter) has been engaged in a flight test program since last September with the goal of obtaining certification between now and the end of 2012. Fitted with new MTR390 engines specially designed for its proposed missions, it also features new versions of basic and mission software. France and Spain have ordered 40 and 24 Tiger HADs respectively, and the helicopter is offered for export.

The 11-metric-ton NH90 is the largest military helicopter program ever undertaken in Europe, delivered in two versions: as a Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH). It provides a common platform for land, air and sea missions at day and night without major restrictions. Such flexibility allows countries to streamline their helicopter fleets and efficiently manage personnel and hardware. The NH90’s large cabin, accessibility (via two side doors and an optional rear ramp) and the speed at which it can be adapted to new missions are the keys to its exceptional operational flexibility in a wide range of scenarios. At the end of last year, Eurocopter delivered the NH90’s first operationally-certified TTH version to the French Armament Procurement Agency (DGA), a landmark in this European program. A total of 529 NH90s have now been ordered by 14 countries, among them Germany, Australia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. In all, the 101 NH90 helicopters that have so far been delivered to armed forces worldwide have logged more than 20,000 flight hours.

The EC725 helicopter presented by Eurocopter in the form of a 1:10 scale model at Eurosatory also demonstrates its capabilities in the 11-metric-ton category. Designed from the outset as a versatile multi-role helicopter, the EC725 is capable of performing missions that include SAR, combat SAR, long-distance tactical transport and medical airlift, as well as logistics support and special operations. It also is well suited to naval missions, while the French version of the EC725 – known as Caracal – has proved its worth in Afghanistan and Africa. To date, a total of 117 EC725/EC225-family helicopters have been ordered by countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Eurosatory will provide Eurocopter with an opportunity as well to underline the decades of proven experience in military markets by presenting its core products. This includes the display of its Fennec helicopter – a member of the famous Ecureuil rotorcraft family, which today is performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training missions around the world. Also present at Eurosatory in scale model form are the Panther and the Dauphin family, which can engage in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, SAR, surveillance and control missions, maritime counterterrorism operations and casualty/medical evacuations. Completing its exhibit will be a model of Eurocopter’s EC635 – the helicopter of choice for armed reconnaissance, combat support, escort and attack missions.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Stéphane Chéry                                                                   Pascale Fleury

Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51                                                    Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 62 38

Mob: + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23                                                  Mob: + 33 (0)6 32 54 05 02

stephane.chery@eurocopter.com                                       pascale.fleury@eurocopter.com

Julie Guérin                                                                          Gloria Illas

Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 59 64                                                    Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 58 89

Mob: + 33 (0)6 22 00 34 73                                                  Mob: +33 (0) 6 31 47 08 99

Julie.guerin@eurocopter.com                                              gloria.illas@eurocopter.com

Priscilla Yip

Tel: +65 6592 7217

Mob: +65 9660 7040

Priscilla.yip@eurocoptersea.com.sg

Website

Eurosatory photo galleries

Eurocopter and Turbomeca inaugurate a training center specializing in engine maintenance in México

Mexico City, May 23, 2012

Eurocopter de México (EMSA) and Turbomeca México (Safran Group) have signed a cooperation agreement for the training of helicopter maintenance technicians and recently opened their first joint training center in Mexico, which is also the first of its kind on the American continent to offer Spanish-speaking instructors.

This new center, inaugurated today by Eurocopter’s Executive Vice President Global Business and Services, Dominique Maudet, and Vice President Customer Support and Sales for Turbomeca, Serge Maillé, will complement the training activities by EMSA, which has already provided training for more than 150 technicians and 100 helicopter pilots since 2010. From now on, operators in the region will benefit from complete helicopter training in Spanish and in one location, focusing on four basic areas: mechanics, avionics, piloting and engine maintenance.

“The flight safety of our aircraft is a key priority that Eurocopter shares with Turbomeca, one of our longest-standing business partners,” said Dominique Maudet. “Training is an essential pillar of our strategy to improve flight safety and optimize the availability of the helicopters operated by our customers all over the world.”

Serge Maillé commented that “these new facilities will enable Eurocopter de México S.A. and Turbomeca México to better serve our Spanish-speaking customers. This cooperation will also be useful for technicians working for customers of both these companies in Latin America.”

The inauguration ceremony for this new center located on the EMSA site at Mexico City International Airport was also attended by Sergio Romero Orozco, Director General of the Mexican Department of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and Serge Durand, CEO of EMSA.

The new joint training center has 3 theoretical and practical classrooms offering courses to familiarize trainees with the parts and tools necessary for maintenance of Turbomeca’s Arriel and Makila models, the engines used in Eurocopter’s AS350, EC130, EC145, EC225 and EC725 helicopters and the Dauphin family of helicopters.

Eurocopter has more than 20 training centers all over the world for both civil and military pilots, technicians and aerospace experts.

About Turbomeca México
As part of its global growth strategy, Turbomeca (Safran Group) recently opened its new subsidiary Turbomeca México (TMEX) in Mexico City to support operators of Turbomeca engines in Mexico, Central America and northern South America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela). This branch also handles sales of all Turbomeca products and services in the region.

About Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran Group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer and has produced over 69,000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. It offers the world’s largest range of engines to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, providing a proximity service through its network of 17 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 field representatives and field technicians. Turbomecca has also organized a network of more than 40 Turbomeca-certified instructors in 14 training centers around the world, where the company’s objective is to operate in the local language whenever possible.

About Eurocopter de México
Eurocopter has been present in Mexico for 30 years through its Mexican subsidiary, Eurocopter de México (EMSA). Based at Mexico City International Airport and staffed by 200 employees, EMSA is responsible for technical support and sales of helicopters in the region comprising Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. EMSA has its own spare parts logistics platform (MEXLOG) and offers a range of services that includes maintenance services, helicopter hangars, aircraft design, assembly, painting and customization and ab-initio training for technicians and pilots through its Heliescuela training academy in Veracruz. EMSA is building an industrial facility to manufacture aircraft parts and subassemblies in Querétaro, with completion scheduled for 2013.

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

www.turbomeca.fr

Eurocopter's EC135 simulator receives Full Flight Simulator Level B certification to provide fully comprehensive training operations in Germany

The EC135 simulator operated by Eurocopter's Training Academy in Germany has obtained Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Level B certification from Luftfahrtbundesamt, the German Aviation Administration. The simulator provides a multitude of training possibilities to international customers and is the first EC135 FFS in Europe to obtain this certification.

Eurocopter and Heli-One introduce “Team NORDSAR” as a tailored solution for Norway's search and rescue helicopter acquisition

A capable, mission-tailored solution for Norway's new search and rescue helicopter acquisition is now available with Team NORDSAR. It brings together the extensive resources of Eurocopter and its EC225 NORDSAR helicopter with the in-country aircraft maintenance and logistic support capabilities of Heli-One Norway AS.