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Eurocopter introduces its EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 helicopters to the UK with demonstration flights for private, utility, police and emergency service operators

Oxford, England, September 19, 2013 A series of United Kingdom demonstrations with the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 are providing first-hand experience with these enhanced versions of Eurocopter’s helicopter family for some 100 invitees taking part in flights conducted this week.

A series of United Kingdom demonstrations with the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 are providing first-hand experience with these enhanced versions of Eurocopter’s helicopter family for some 100 invitees taking part in flights conducted this week.

The evaluations are being performed from Britain’s civil helicopter hub in Oxford and at Denham Aerodrome close to London, providing flight opportunities for private and utility operators, law enforcement agencies, as well as emergency medical service providers.

“As a helicopter industry leader, Eurocopter constantly is updating and evolving its product line, as represented by the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2,” said Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. “Bringing these rotorcraft to the UK enables a broad section of the user community to fully appreciate their latest technology for enhanced mission capability and flexibility.”

(© Eurocopter / Anthony Pecchi)

Flights performed today for civil, private and utility operators were performed with the EC130 T2 at Denham Aerodrome, while parallel demonstrations involving the EC145 T2 at Oxford brought together personnel from law enforcement, emergency medical services and national security agencies.

The activity will conclude tomorrow with private customers, who will have access to the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 at Oxford.

Eurocopter’s EC130 T2 is the latest member of its best-selling lightweight single-engine Ecureuil product line, and features enhanced comfort, improved operational performance and increased versatility.

While retaining the EC130’s existing external lines, approximately 70 percent of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure has been modified, with new features including use of a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox; the incorporation of an active vibration control system; improved air ventilation, distribution and demisting systems; a cabin interior structure redesign with a full flat floor; a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface; new energy-absorbing seats that improve weight and balance for passenger loading; integration of a crashworthy fuel tank; and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air conditioning systems.

In the twin-engine medium helicopter segment, Eurocopter’s EC145 T2 is an evolved version of the popular twin-engine EC145, incorporating new Arriel 2E engines; the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor; upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes; as well as an innovative new digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot.

Advantages of the Fenestron include improved flight and ground safety, along with enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels. On the EC145 T2, the Fenestron has a new-design tail gear box with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. It is installed in a new, damage-tolerant design all-composite tail boom.

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 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 (65% 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 rotary-wing sector, including prime contractor of the Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 program. 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 1,600 people across the British Isles.

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 technology transfer sees Brazilian-made countermeasure system integrated on military aircraft”

Itajubá, Brazil, September 17, 2013 Helibras has successfully completed flight testing of a chaff and flare countermeasures dispensing system for EC725 helicopters, completing a first-of-its-kind system integration project in Brazil and marking another key phase in Eurocopter’s contract to supply 50 of these Super Puma/Cougar family rotorcraft to the Brazilian armed forces.

Helibras has successfully completed flight testing of a chaff and flare countermeasures dispensing system for EC725 helicopters, completing a first-of-its-kind system integration project in Brazil and marking another key phase in Eurocopter’s contract to supply 50 of these Super Puma/Cougar family rotorcraft to the Brazilian armed forces.

Six flights were performed with the self-protection system – which is used to detect and identify threats to the aircraft and confuse heat-seeking and radar-guided missiles – validating its operation and integration with the helicopter’s other functions. The system was developed by Helibras’ Engineering Center under the supervision of Chief Engineer Walter Filho.

Performed by a Brazilian Helibras crew of flight test pilot Patrik Correa and flight test engineer Dreyfus Silva, the airborne evaluations checked the dispensing of flares and chaff throughout the EC725’s entire flight envelope – using one of the helicopters produced for the Brazilian armed forces.

(© Eurocopter / Anthony Pecchi)

These flights occurred at Santa Cruz Air Base near Rio de Janeiro and were made possible through the cooperation of Helibras with the Brazilian Air Force, and coordinated through Brazil’s national Aerospace Technology and Science Department. The Brazilian Navy provided one of its Eurocopter Super Puma AS332 L1 helicopters to accompany the EC725 in flight, ensuring the tests were carried out safely.

The self-protection system’s in-country development is part of Eurocopter’s ambitious technology transfer program, enabling Brazilian defense organizations and companies to enhance their technical capabilities while opening significant growth opportunities for the nation’s industry. The program currently comprises several industrial cooperation projects and offset activities.

Helibras and its Eurocopter parent company have already invested in the technology transfer and offset efforts – an outlay that covers facilities, training programs and all necessary support and innovation involved in the ultimate build-up of helicopters on a new Helibras final assembly line at Itajubá in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

To date, seven EC725s for the Brazilian armed forces produced by Eurocopter in France have been delivered in the first phase of Brazil’s acquisition and an eighth will be delivered before the end of the year. The next batch of helicopters already is in Itajubá, with some of them undergoing partial build-up on the Helibras final assembly line. After testing and acceptance, they will be delivered beginning in early 2014.

As part of the batch, one EC725 will be used for the development and integration of systems. This is the first helicopter to have been processed through every assembly station stage in the company’s Minas Gerais final assembly line.

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.


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.

For more information, please contact:

“Eurocopter to offer in Donauwörth the first Helipad in Europe with improved safety landing conditions”

Donauwörth, September 11, 2013 Improved safety in poor visibility conditions is an advantage that pilots at Eurocopter in Donauwörth are now able to enjoy. The onsite helicopter landing pad at Eurocopter’s headquarters in Germany is the first helipad in Europe to make use of Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) guidance, a highly precise, GPS-supported instrument approach procedure.

Improved safety in poor visibility conditions is an advantage that pilots at Eurocopter in Donauwörth are now able to enjoy. The onsite helicopter landing pad at Eurocopter’s headquarters in Germany is the first helipad in Europe to make use of Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) guidance, a highly precise, GPS-supported instrument approach procedure.

The new procedure supplements conventional lateral guidance systems by adding the vertical component, which enables approach guidance to be displayed in 3D for the first time. This improved guidance relieves the strain on pilots and increases safety, since obstacles can be flown over safely even when visibility conditions are poor.

The license permitting LPV approaches to the helipad also means Eurocopter in Donauwörth can use the new procedure when testing and approving the latest navigation systems for use in its helicopters. Eurocopter is currently conducting these tests using its twin-engine EC135 and EC145 T2 helicopters.

(© Eurocopter / Chales Abarr)

The Group’s international customers stand to benefit from these improved conditions for landing approaches, as they can now take off and land even in bad weather. Eurocopter also offers its customers training courses for the new system.

The LPV instrument approach procedure is based on the European Geostationary Navigation Overlapping Service (EGNOS) satellite-based format, which augments the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNNS) to allow three-dimensional positioning.

Use of the LPV approach is further testimony to Eurocopter’s comprehensive expertise in cutting-edge helicopter landing pad technology. Even before LPV was introduced, the Group was already pioneering the use of innovative approach procedures. In 2008, for example, Donauwörth became the first European helipad to introduce satellite-based RNAV (area navigation) specifically for use by helicopters and recently, Eurocopter in Marignane successfully approved new landing procedures relying on augmented satellite guidance allowing lower sound level footprints.

Furthermore, Eurocopter’s special on-site helicopter landing pad, which welcomes some 6,000 take-offs and landings a year, is one of the few helipads in the world to have been certified as suitable for all-weather operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.


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.

For more information, please contact:

Henan New Continental Business Aviation of China orders Asia’s first EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style

Tianjin, China, September 5, 2013 Henan New Continental Business Aviation of China will acquire two VIP passenger transport helicopters from Eurocopter to commence its chartering business – an exclusively designed EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style, which will also be the first such model to be sold in Asia; as well as an AS350 B3e from the Ecureuil family.

Henan New Continental Business Aviation of China will acquire two VIP passenger transport helicopters from Eurocopter to commence its chartering business – an exclusively designed EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style, which will also be the first such model to be sold in Asia; as well as an AS350 B3e from the Ecureuil family.

These two rotorcraft will initiate Henan New Continental’s planned creation of a helicopter fleet in meeting growing VIP and business passenger airlift demand in China.

“While VIP helicopter transportation in China is relatively young, the customers’ needs are maturing rapidly,” explained Zhou Suiji, the Chairman of Henan New Continental Business Aviation. “With the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter and the AS350 B3e, we will be able to meet and exceed their expectations of comfort and exclusivity.”

(© Eurocopter / Patrick PENNA)

This latest Chinese order was announced today during the China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin. The EC145 configured in the “Mercedes-Benz Style” edition will be the first such model to be acquired in Asia, with four other designer units having been delivered in the U.S. and Europe. Eurocopter will deliver the AS350 B3e at year-end, followed by the EC145 in mid-2014.

“We welcome Henan New Continental into the Eurocopter family, and pledge the full backing of our in-country support resources,” said Eurocopter China CEO Norbert Ducrot. “This operator will be well positioned to serve the rapidly-growing Chinese market, where Eurocopter helicopters already are increasingly used for the VIP and business segment, in commercial and utility missions, as well as by the public service sector.”

Eurocopter’s twin-engine EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style is a project undertaken in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy. Tailored for high-end corporate, executive and private operations, it has a versatile and easily transformable cabin suitable for a broad range of travels, including executive transportation, family voyages, as well as leisure and sport trips. Its interior design is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz range of premium vehicles, featuring high quality materials, elegant woods and ambient cabin lighting, along with multi-function boxes.

(© Eurocopter / Charles ABARR)

The AS350 B3e is Eurocopter’s latest version of the company’s popular single-engine workhorse Ecureuil rotorcraft product line, which has a wide cabin, high cruise speed and low vibration levels for passengers. Its B3e variant incorporates a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine with a longer life cycle and lower maintenance costs, next-generation FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), an improved interior design and tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting.

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.


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.

For more information, please contact:

“Eurocopter’s capability to meet Chinese rotorcraft market needs will be demonstrated at the China Helicopter Exposition”

Tianjin, China, September 4, 2013 Eurocopter’s dedication to the Chinese helicopter market – and its ability to respond to China’s evolving rotorcraft requirements – will be the company’s focus at this year’s China Helicopter Exposition.

Eurocopter’s dedication to the Chinese helicopter market – and its ability to respond to China’s evolving rotorcraft requirements – will be the company’s focus at this year’s China Helicopter Exposition.

Leading Eurocopter’s presence during the September 5-8 event in Tianjin will be Group CEO Guillaume Faury, who will be joined by Norbert Ducrot, the newly-named CEO of Eurocopter’s China subsidiary.

“With Eurocopter’s more than 45-year presence in China, we are fully dedicated to helping the country develop its helicopter market and capabilities,” explained Ducrot. “In addition to providing a modern helicopter family to meet the needs of this growing market, we will continue to expand our footprint to establish a network of in-country support centers, including training services.”

(© Eurocopter / Charles ABARR)

At the 2013 China Helicopter Exposition, two members of Eurocopter’s comprehensive product line are to be displayed: the single-engine, light EC120 and the mid-sized, twin-engine EC135.

These two rotorcraft types are in widespread service across China, used in applications that range from police operations and emergency medical services, along with rescue and salvage duties, to business aviation, commercial airlift and utility missions.

A Eurocopter focus at the China Helicopter Exposition is its EC135, which continues to gain popularity with Chinese operators. Displayed at the Tianjin event will be an EC135 configured for on-shore rescue, outfitted with equipment that includes a hoist.

The latest delivery of this helicopter type was the EC135 P2e for Wuhan Police in July – a multi-role helicopter equipped with an electro-optical FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera, searchlight, loud speakers, rappelling ropes and hoist.

The 16 EC135s already in service across China represent this country’s largest fleet of light, twin-engine rotorcraft, with their users benefiting from the helicopter’s cabin size and interior configuration flexibility. They are utilized by police forces in Shanghai, Guangdong, Chongqing and Wuhan; as well as in emergency medical airlift missions; rescue operations and for business aviation.

Eurocopter also will bring an EC120 to the China Helicopter Exposition, underscoring this rotorcraft’s use in applications that include Chinese commercial utility and private aviation flights. A total of 14 EC120s are operating in China today.

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.


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.

For more information, please contact:

A “tailor-made” Eurocopter EC135 helicopter doubles emergency medical airlift capabilities for the U.K.’s Devon Air Ambulance

Oxford, England, September 4, 2013 Devon Air Ambulance has added a second Eurocopter EC135 to its helicopter fleet, enhancing the service provider’s own airlift capabilities and further fostering the market presence of this rotorcraft type in medical missions throughout the United Kingdom.

Devon Air Ambulance has added a second Eurocopter EC135 to its helicopter fleet, enhancing the service provider’s own airlift capabilities and further fostering the market presence of this rotorcraft type in medical missions throughout the United Kingdom.

The EC135 P2i version of Eurocopter’s twin-engine workhorse helicopter family was delivered by the Eurocopter UK subsidiary, and performed a five-day tour through Devon – thanking the public for funds raised in line with the country’s guiding principle to use private donations in financing air ambulances within the emergency medical service system.

It joins an EC135 T2 previously acquired by the Devon Air Ambulance Trust – both of which are fully owned by the Exeter-based charity.

(© Eurocopter UK / Photographer Geoff Bakewell)

“Our new helicopter is a very special air ambulance with many tailored design features that were only made possible by the superb collaboration and understanding between our staff and Eurocopter,” said Heléna Holt, the Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s Chief Executive. “Owning both our helicopters is the culmination of many years of planning and fundraising, but it has all been very worthwhile – as we are not only saving considerable sums of money, but are able to continue improving our service to the people of Devon.”

Eurocopter EC135s perform more than 15,000 missions annually with critically ill patients across the U.K., being the helicopter of choice for the country’s emergency air medical services. The EC135 P2i version acquired by the Devon Air Ambulance Trust incorporate enhancements that include software and hardware upgrades, with improvements in payload and performance capabilities.

“The Devon Air Ambulance Trust represents the trend among U.K. emergency medical services operators in changing over from leasing solutions to the more cost-effective ownership business model,” explained Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. “Using our Britian’s helicopter hub in Oxford, we are is ready to accompany all of our customers' evolving business models with innovative solutions.”

Overall, Eurocopter has a 65 percent share of the United Kingdom’s helicopter emergency medical services fleet.

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 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 (65% 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 rotary-wing sector, including prime contractor of the Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 program. 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 1,600 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.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter and Poland: Meeting the country’s multi-role military helicopter requirements and supporting its industrial supply chain on a global scale

Kielce, Poland, September 2, 2013 Eurocopter’s participation at Poland’s MSPO defense industry exhibition underscores its long-term commitment to this country, which includes the company’s EC725 Caracal offer for the Ministry of National Defense’s multi-role helicopter acquisition, and its intention to build on well-established partnerships with the Polish industry.

Eurocopter’s participation at Poland’s MSPO defense industry exhibition underscores its long-term commitment to this country, which includes the company’s EC725 Caracal offer for the Ministry of National Defense’s multi-role helicopter acquisition, and its intention to build on well-established partnerships with the Polish industry.

As part of the presence at MSPO – being held September 2-5 in Kielce – Eurocopter has brought for a second time the EC725 Caracal helicopter. The machine operating recently in Afghanistan, Mali or Libya belongs to the French Air Forces. The Caracal is proposed for Poland’s acquisition of 70 multi-role helicopters, with Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) signing industrial cooperation agreements that include the creation of full assembly lines in Poland for the Caracal and its Makila 2 turboshaft engines.

“Our Caracal is a proven and reliable choice for Poland’s multi-role helicopter tender, as demonstrated by its battle-proven experience and confirmed by a growing list of customers,” said Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury. “Eurocopter’s response to the tender is fully coherent with our long-standing strategy of working with Poland’s industry to further integrate its companies into the global supply chain. We are ready to build this partnership well beyond the Caracal tender, and to support the Polish defense industry’s development.”

© Eurocopter, Lorette Fabre

During the MSPO exposition, Eurocopter is displaying the Caracal with many of the weapons systems compatible with the helicopter, including window-mounted 7.62 mm. machine guns, pod-mounted 20 mm. cannons, 68 mm. rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and torpedoes
.
The Caracal is the only modern, single platform and combat proven helicopter currently on the market that is capable of performing the widest range of missions – from armed operations and troop transport to naval or rescue duties. Already deployed in some of the most challenging theatres of operations today, this modern, multi-role 11-metric-ton-class helicopter carries up to 28 passengers in addition to the flight crew, and is equipped with a five- blade main rotor system, as well as the latest in avionics and systems. An impressive fuel capacity provides flight endurance of 5.5 hours. Current customers for the Caracal are France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Eurocopter is well placed to expand its presence in Poland while further assisting the integration of Polish companies into the global supply chain. The foundation for this strategy is based on a long-term approach of Eurocopter and its EADS parent company to cooperatively develop Poland’s aviation capabilities – led by EADS’ 2001 acquisition of PZL Warszawa-Okecie, the country’s longest-established aviation manufacturer.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the French-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: